Many people felt betrayed by Vietnam. But the circle of those betrayed grew much wider, and included the soldiers who actually fought in Vietnam. Such divisions were not entirely negative. The trauma of that period also lessened our propensity to wage war and caused us to take a more sober view of our national leaders. Conservatives demonize liberal permissiveness and '60s peace protesters for the breakdown in societal values.
Liberals blame conservative intolerance and selfishness.
Some of the work has already been begun. The shocking mistreatment of those who actually fought the war is being redressed. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington is one of the most moving and oft-visited monuments in the nation. Vietnam veterans like Sen. John McCain were elected on their war records. For those who actively opposed the war, the roles have reversed.