It is difficult to imagine my life without Vietnam. I say this from the perspective of 30 years of experience with Asian affairs in the military, in government policy positions, in the private sector and academe.

We hear much about healing, but millions of my fellow Vietnam veterans never felt the need to heal. In my individual case, perhaps it is because Vietnam and Vietnamese issues have been a consistent part of my life for about 30 years. Perhaps it is the many conversations with Asians, who recognize the vibrant economies of Southeast Asia would not be where they are without the U.S. commitment in Vietnam.

Regardless, I do believe there are legitimate lessons that can be learned concerning how the war was conducted and how we became involved, but I reject those who refuse to recognize the positive side of our involvement or who posit that because of the way the war ended, the Politburo was right. That is revisionist nonsense. Apologies and forgiveness are not required.

Richard T. Childress President of Asian Investment Strategies, was a military advisor in Vietnam in 1968-69 and Director of Asian Affairs for the National Security Council from 1981 to 1989.