Echos of Vietnam

"If the Communists continue to suffer the losses they have been taking, I don't know how they can stay in battle." March 20, 1954. General Paul Ely - French Chief of Staff.

"Withdrawal of United States troops would be a great mistake." September 3, 1963. President John F. Kennedy.

"We will stay for as long as it takes. We shall provide whatever help is required to win the battle against Communist insurgence." March 9, 1964. Robert S. McNamara - Secretary of Defense.

"Only the Vietcong has committed atrocities in Vietnam." May 13, 1965. Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey.

"I do not believe Hanoi can hold up under a long war."
February 25, 1968. General William C. Westmoreland.

"It became necessary to destroy the town to save it."
February 7, 1968. Unnamed Major in the U.S. Army.

"North Vietnam cannot defeat or humiliate the United States. Only Americans can do that." November 3, 1969. President Richard M. Nixon.

"I ask for your support for our brave men fighting tonight halfway around the world, not for territory, not for glory, but that their younger brothers and their sons and your sons can have a chance to grow up in a world of peace and freedom, and justice." April 30, 1970. President Richard M. Nixon.

"They have been in a war for years and years and they are quite debilitated and decimated, and I don't think they are capable with any kind of resistance of continuing this fight." May 3, 1970. Vice President Spiro T. Agnew.