- Teaching and Learning
- Overview
Vietnam Day Provides Immersive Learning Experience
Clayton High School sophomores took part in an in-school field trip to learn and explore the essentials of the Vietnam War at Clayton High School’s 12th annual Vietnam Day on Thursday, March 14. This year’s event, sponsored by the CHS Social Studies Department and held in conjunction with the World History II curriculum, began with an opening session featuring longtime Vietnam Day speaker and presenter Dr. Jason Holmes. Holmes’ memoir, “A Different Battle, A Different Courage,” illustrates the strength of the bonds formed by the young men half a world away whose only goal during the Vietnam War was to go home to their family and loved ones and lead a normal life.
Following the opening session, the sophomores attended breakout sessions on a variety of topics, from “Innovation as a Weapon in a War Zone” to “The Theory of a ‘Just War’” to “Donut Dollies: Women in a War Zone.” Students also stepped into the shoes of three Vietnam War veterans during the annual presentation of “The Things We Carried.” The presentation gave students the opportunity to examine the veterans’ equipment, weapons and personal mementos and hear their stories.
The day concluded with a presentation by retired Wydown Middle School Teacher and Vietnam veteran Napoleon Carter. The son of Arkansas sharecroppers and the 9th of 18 children, Carter was born at a time in the south when African Americans were treated as second-class citizens. Carter was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1969 and attended advanced individual training before being assigned as a combat medic to an elite combat unit, Bravo Company, 2nd / 501st, 101st Airborne Division. During his tour, he flew over 25 combat assault missions and earned the prestigious Bronze Star for heroism.
Carter provided students with a firsthand account of the Vietnam War through his experiences combating the enemy abroad, the Viet Cong, as well as the enemy back home, racism.