May 26, 2025
SPECIAL MOJO MOMENT: A Nation Rediscovers Its Heart: The Unknown Vietnam Soldier
FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message Few moments in American history have carried the weight of reconciliation and healing that President Ronald Reagan's 1984 Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery embodied. In this poignant episode, we explore how this landmark speech—delivered just nine years after the Vietnam War's conclusion—represented a crucial turning point in our national memory. Reagan's words that day bridged political divides to honor the Unkn...
FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message
Few moments in American history have carried the weight of reconciliation and healing that President Ronald Reagan's 1984 Memorial Day address at Arlington National Cemetery embodied. In this poignant episode, we explore how this landmark speech—delivered just nine years after the Vietnam War's conclusion—represented a crucial turning point in our national memory.
Reagan's words that day bridged political divides to honor the Unknown Soldier from Vietnam with the Congressional Medal of Honor, our nation's highest military decoration. "Those who were never welcomed home with speeches and bands, but who were never defeated in battle and were heroes as surely as any who have ever fought in a noble cause," Reagan said of Vietnam veterans, acknowledging both their valor and the painful reception many encountered upon returning home.
The ceremony took place during what is now the 50th anniversary of American withdrawal from Vietnam, adding historical significance to an already profound occasion. Through moving anecdotes and thoughtful reflection, Reagan helped Americans separate politics from service, allowing the nation to finally say "thank you" to an entire generation of veterans. His closing invocation of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address—reminding us to take "increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion"—serves as a timeless reminder of the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Join us for this special Mojo Moment as we reflect on this pivotal speech, the sacred tradition of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and how a single ceremony helped heal a nation's wounds. Have you visited Arlington National Cemetery or experienced a moment that bridged historical divides? Share your reflections in the comments and subscribe for more episodes that bring history's wisdom into our present challenges.
00:00 - Introduction to Theory to Action
00:39 - Reagan's 1984 Memorial Day Speech
02:45 - History of the Tomb of Unknown
05:08 - America's Reconciliation with Vietnam Veterans
08:05 - Reagan's Medal of Honor Tribute
11:41 - Lincoln's Words and Final Thoughts
WEBVTT
00:00:07.612 --> 00:00:20.807
Welcome to the Theory to Action podcast, where we examine the timeless treasures of wisdom from the great books in less time, to help you take action immediately and ultimately to create and lead a flourishing life.
00:00:20.807 --> 00:00:27.748
Now here's your host, David Kaiser flourishing life.
00:00:27.788 --> 00:00:30.696
Now here's your host, David Kaiser.
00:00:30.696 --> 00:00:39.201
Hello, I am David, and welcome back to a special Mojo moment.
00:00:39.201 --> 00:00:58.929
We talk often in this podcast about Mojo minutes, but this is a special Mojo moment, a special moment for the country, indeed, for back in 1984, one of our greatest presidents, our 40th president of the United States, spoke at a Memorial Day celebration at Arlington Cemetery that year.
00:00:58.929 --> 00:01:04.087
Let's pick up his words to understand the importance of this special moment.
00:01:04.087 --> 00:01:09.004
Go on to the speech May 28, 1984.
00:01:09.766 --> 00:01:16.221
My fellow Americans, memorial Day is a day of ceremonies and speeches Throughout America.
00:01:16.221 --> 00:01:18.527
Today we honor the dead of our wars.
00:01:18.527 --> 00:01:22.441
We recall their valor and their sacrifices.
00:01:22.441 --> 00:01:27.332
We remember they gave their lives so that others might live.
00:01:27.332 --> 00:01:38.691
We're also gathered here for a special event the National Funeral for an Unknown Soldier who will today join the heroes of three other wars.
00:01:38.691 --> 00:02:06.275
When he spoke at a ceremony at Gettysburg in 1863, president Lincoln reminded us that, through their deeds, the dead had spoken more eloquently for themselves than any of the living ever could and that we living could only honor them by rededicating ourselves to the cause for which they so willingly gave a last full measure of devotion.
00:02:06.275 --> 00:02:24.092
Well, this is especially so today, for in our minds and hearts is the memory of Vietnam and all that the conflict meant for those who sacrificed on the field of battle and for their loved ones who suffered here at home.
00:02:24.092 --> 00:02:30.167
Those words began the speech for the president that day, and it was a special speech.
00:02:30.167 --> 00:02:32.727
It was a special day.
00:02:32.727 --> 00:02:36.150
It was a special moment for the country.
00:02:36.150 --> 00:02:45.687
You see, reagan's 1984 speech was unlike any other president's normal Memorial Day celebrations.
00:02:45.687 --> 00:02:55.561
This speech came just nine years after the Vietnam War's end, during a time when the nation was still grappling with its legacy.
00:02:55.561 --> 00:03:11.330
The president used this occasion to honor Vietnam veterans and award the Congressional Medal of Honor to an unknown soldier from that conflict Our nation's highest honor.
00:03:11.330 --> 00:03:17.120
The speeches focus on reconciliation and recognition of Vietnam veterans.
00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:24.850
Sacrifices marked a turning point in public memory, making it a landmark in Memorial day speeches.
00:03:26.604 --> 00:03:44.532
Now, you might not know, but the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery was established on November 11, 1921, when an unidentified American soldier from World War I was interred during the ceremony.
00:03:44.532 --> 00:03:58.311
This followed the selection and the repatriation of remains from France, authorized by Congress on March 4, 1921, to honor the unidentified fallen of the war.
00:03:58.311 --> 00:04:13.709
The monument itself, designed by Thomas Hudson Jones and Lorimer Rich, was completed in 1932, but the initial internment in 1921 marked the official start of the tomb's legacy.
00:04:13.709 --> 00:04:18.298
Marked the official start of the tomb's legacy Now.
00:04:18.298 --> 00:04:31.514
Subsequent unknowns from other wars World War II and the Korean War were added in 1958, and a Vietnam veteran war unknown was interred on this date, may 28, 1984.
00:04:31.514 --> 00:04:50.211
Now the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery began being guarded 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on April 6, 1948, when the US Army's 3rd Infantry Regiment, known as the Old Guard, assumed continuous guard duty.
00:04:50.211 --> 00:04:59.024
Now I had lived in Washington DC for over three years andI highly recommend this place, highly recommend it to visit.
00:04:59.024 --> 00:05:02.615
It's a historic place, it's a reverent place.
00:05:02.615 --> 00:05:07.466
Now let's return to Reagan's words once more.
00:05:08.428 --> 00:05:24.971
Not long ago, when a memorial was dedicated here in Washington to our Vietnam veterans, the events surrounding that dedication were a stirring reminder of America's resilience, of how our nation could learn and grow and transcend the tragedies of the past.
00:05:24.971 --> 00:05:36.716
During the dedication ceremonies, the rolls of those who died and are still missing were read for three days in a candlelight ceremony at the National Cathedral.
00:05:36.716 --> 00:06:00.187
And the veterans of Vietnam, who were never welcomed home with speeches and bans, but who were never defeated in battle and were heroes as surely as any who have ever fought in a noble cause, staged their own parade on Constitution Avenue as America watched them summon wheelchairs, all of them proud.
00:06:00.187 --> 00:06:12.367
There was a feeling that this nation, that as a nation we were coming together again and that we had at long last welcomed the boys home.
00:06:12.367 --> 00:06:19.507
A lot of healing went on, said one combat veteran who helped organize support for the memorial.
00:06:19.507 --> 00:06:24.165
And then there was this newspaper account that appeared after the ceremonies.
00:06:24.165 --> 00:06:30.824
I'd like to read it to you, quote yesterday crowds returned to the memorial.
00:06:30.824 --> 00:06:36.415
Them was Herbie Pettit, a machinist and former Marine from New Orleans.
00:06:36.415 --> 00:06:42.668
Last night, he said, standing near the wall, I went out to dinner with some other ex-Marines.
00:06:42.668 --> 00:06:46.401
There was also a group of college students in the restaurant.
00:06:46.401 --> 00:06:54.725
We started to talk to each other and before we left they stood up and cheered us the whole week.
00:06:54.725 --> 00:06:56.769
Pettit said his eyes red.
00:06:56.769 --> 00:06:59.884
It was worth it just for that.
00:07:00.694 --> 00:07:08.949
You see, in 1984, our country as a whole began to look upon men and women in uniform differently.
00:07:08.949 --> 00:07:20.187
Our country removed the politics from the service member and gone were the days of verbally abusing our military armed forces.
00:07:20.187 --> 00:07:26.973
The country had grown up a little bit, became a little wiser.
00:07:26.973 --> 00:07:37.478
Now you might not know too, this is the 50th anniversary of the US leaving the Vietnam War Now over on my sub stack.
00:07:37.478 --> 00:07:45.392
I published a written piece reflecting on the Vietnam War 50 years later and its leadership lessons.
00:07:45.392 --> 00:07:47.673
But for today, leadership lessons.
00:07:47.673 --> 00:07:53.216
But for today, we will honor the fallen because this is their special day.
00:07:53.216 --> 00:07:59.120
It's a special day for them, it's a special moment for the country and for the families.
00:08:00.661 --> 00:08:05.862
Let us return to Reagan's words once more on Memorial Day 1984.
00:08:05.862 --> 00:08:28.464
The unknown soldier who has returned to us today and whom we lay to rest is symbolic of all of our missing sons, and we will present him with the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration that we can bestow.
00:08:28.464 --> 00:08:30.610
About him, we may well wonder, as others have.
00:08:30.610 --> 00:08:36.941
As a child, did he play on some street in a great American city, or did he work beside his father on a farm out in America's heartland?
00:08:36.941 --> 00:08:39.049
Did he marry?
00:08:39.049 --> 00:08:41.033
Did he have children?
00:08:41.033 --> 00:08:45.578
Did he look expectantly to return to a bride?
00:08:45.578 --> 00:08:50.885
We'll never know the answers to these questions about his life.
00:08:50.885 --> 00:09:11.065
We do know, though, why he died he saw the horrors of war, but bravely faced them, certain his own cause and his country's cause was a noble one, that he was fighting for human dignity, for free men everywhere.
00:09:11.065 --> 00:09:23.916
Today we pause to embrace him and all who served us so well in a war whose end offered no parades, no flags and so little thanks.
00:09:23.916 --> 00:09:40.802
We can be worthy of the values and the ideals for which our sons sacrificed, worthy of their courage in the face of a fear that few of us will ever experience, by honoring their commitment and devotion to duty and country.
00:09:42.350 --> 00:09:45.900
Many veterans of Vietnam still served in the armed forces.
00:09:45.900 --> 00:09:50.902
They work in our offices, in our farms, in our factories.
00:09:50.902 --> 00:09:58.003
Most have kept their experiences private, but most have been strengthened by their call to duty.
00:09:58.003 --> 00:10:07.892
A grateful nation opens her heart today in gratitude for their sacrifice, for their courage and for their noble service.
00:10:07.892 --> 00:10:19.057
Let us, if we must debate the lessons learned at some other time, today we simply say with pride Thank you, dear son.
00:10:19.057 --> 00:10:23.139
May God cradle you in his loving arms.
00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:37.725
We present to you our nation's highest award, the Congressional Medal of Honor for service, above and beyond the call of duty and action with the enemy during the Vietnam era.
00:10:37.725 --> 00:10:50.309
Reagan then placed the Congressional Medal of Honor close to the unknown's casket, which was draped in the American flag, which was draped in the American flag.
00:10:51.409 --> 00:10:58.379
I think it only appropriate to end this podcast with Lincoln's words that Reagan spoke about earlier at the national dedication of the cemetery at Gettysburg's battlefield.
00:10:58.379 --> 00:11:02.176
Go on to that speech.
00:11:02.176 --> 00:11:11.938
The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here.
00:11:11.938 --> 00:11:25.682
It is for us, the living, rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work for which they who fought here have thus so nobly, thus far, so nobly advanced.
00:11:25.682 --> 00:11:53.927
It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion, that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain and that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.
00:12:03.932 --> 00:12:05.157
Thank you for joining us.
00:12:05.157 --> 00:12:08.539
We hope you enjoyed this Theory to Action podcast.
00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:17.750
Be sure to check out our show page at team mojo academycom, where we have everything we discussed in this podcast, as well as other great resources.
00:12:17.750 --> 00:12:21.091
Until next time, keep getting your mojo on.
00:12:21.091 --> 00:12:31.797
Thank you.
00:00:07.612 --> 00:00:20.807
00:00:20.807 --> 00:00:27.748
00:00:27.788 --> 00:00:30.696
00:00:30.696 --> 00:00:39.201
00:00:39.201 --> 00:00:58.929
00:00:58.929 --> 00:01:04.087
00:01:04.087 --> 00:01:09.004
00:01:09.766 --> 00:01:16.221
00:01:16.221 --> 00:01:18.527
00:01:18.527 --> 00:01:22.441
00:01:22.441 --> 00:01:27.332
00:01:27.332 --> 00:01:38.691
00:01:38.691 --> 00:02:06.275
00:02:06.275 --> 00:02:24.092
00:02:24.092 --> 00:02:30.167
00:02:30.167 --> 00:02:32.727
00:02:32.727 --> 00:02:36.150
00:02:36.150 --> 00:02:45.687
00:02:45.687 --> 00:02:55.561
00:02:55.561 --> 00:03:11.330
00:03:11.330 --> 00:03:17.120
00:03:17.120 --> 00:03:24.850
00:03:26.604 --> 00:03:44.532
00:03:44.532 --> 00:03:58.311
00:03:58.311 --> 00:04:13.709
00:04:13.709 --> 00:04:18.298
00:04:18.298 --> 00:04:31.514
00:04:31.514 --> 00:04:50.211
00:04:50.211 --> 00:04:59.024
00:04:59.024 --> 00:05:02.615
00:05:02.615 --> 00:05:07.466
00:05:08.428 --> 00:05:24.971
00:05:24.971 --> 00:05:36.716
00:05:36.716 --> 00:06:00.187
00:06:00.187 --> 00:06:12.367
00:06:12.367 --> 00:06:19.507
00:06:19.507 --> 00:06:24.165
00:06:24.165 --> 00:06:30.824
00:06:30.824 --> 00:06:36.415
00:06:36.415 --> 00:06:42.668
00:06:42.668 --> 00:06:46.401
00:06:46.401 --> 00:06:54.725
00:06:54.725 --> 00:06:56.769
00:06:56.769 --> 00:06:59.884
00:07:00.694 --> 00:07:08.949
00:07:08.949 --> 00:07:20.187
00:07:20.187 --> 00:07:26.973
00:07:26.973 --> 00:07:37.478
00:07:37.478 --> 00:07:45.392
00:07:45.392 --> 00:07:47.673
00:07:47.673 --> 00:07:53.216
00:07:53.216 --> 00:07:59.120
00:08:00.661 --> 00:08:05.862
00:08:05.862 --> 00:08:28.464
00:08:28.464 --> 00:08:30.610
00:08:30.610 --> 00:08:36.941
00:08:36.941 --> 00:08:39.049
00:08:39.049 --> 00:08:41.033
00:08:41.033 --> 00:08:45.578
00:08:45.578 --> 00:08:50.885
00:08:50.885 --> 00:09:11.065
00:09:11.065 --> 00:09:23.916
00:09:23.916 --> 00:09:40.802
00:09:42.350 --> 00:09:45.900
00:09:45.900 --> 00:09:50.902
00:09:50.902 --> 00:09:58.003
00:09:58.003 --> 00:10:07.892
00:10:07.892 --> 00:10:19.057
00:10:19.057 --> 00:10:23.139
00:10:23.139 --> 00:10:37.725
00:10:37.725 --> 00:10:50.309
00:10:51.409 --> 00:10:58.379
00:10:58.379 --> 00:11:02.176
00:11:02.176 --> 00:11:11.938
00:11:11.938 --> 00:11:25.682
00:11:25.682 --> 00:11:53.927
00:12:03.932 --> 00:12:05.157
00:12:05.157 --> 00:12:08.539
00:12:08.539 --> 00:12:17.750
00:12:17.750 --> 00:12:21.091
00:12:21.091 --> 00:12:31.797
