Forrest Gump demonstrates veteran experience

Forrest Gump, released in 1994, is the story of a simple man named Forrest. In the movie, Forrest enlists in the U.S. army during the Vietnam War, and is deployed overseas. It also follows his and other soldiers’ experience of being a veteran in the wake of the war.

The movie showcases the violence of the Vietnam War and how veterans were treated in  its’ aftermath. For example, the scenes of combat are very gory–Lt. Dan lost both of his legs and Forrest’s best friend, Bubba, is killed. In addition, when Forrest sees Lt. Dan again after returning to the U.S., he is homeless and has drug problems.

Many Vietnam veterans were not given proper recognition and benefits from the United States government and the general public when they returned home from their service, and this movie shows how poorly this group of veterans were treated. It adds to the collective memory of Vietnam War veterans by validating their negative experience in popular culture. Even today, 40 years after the war, Forrest Gump reminds us that this group of veterans and the sacrifices they made are not to be forgotten or taken for granted.