So interesting that the commenters have drawn the parallel between Iraq and Vietnam... No one in the pop culture scene likes to discuss that we lost Iraq. The way you point out that that whole cultural vacuum has sucked the story of Vietnam down with it is fascinating.

I'm reminded of a hat I saw a Vietnam veteran wear, which was poignant in its denial: "We were winning when I left."

Much food for thought here; thank you.

Maybe when some of the Vietnam anniversaries start coming around the pop culture will have to grapple with it again.