Jack Wickes’ exhibition Returning to the World: Vietnam Veteran’s Journey not only honors the contributions of veterans but sheds light on the untold stories of these individuals and gives them a platform for their voices to be heard. The exhibit displays the underrepresented aspects of war and hardships that these veterans have endured, a fitting tribute to those who have served and sacrificed.

Wickes, who endowed the “Jack Wickes War and Society Research Fund” in the History Department at Indiana University, felt that “sending other mother’s sons (and now daughters) to fight wars was too often insufficiently debated.” For years, he has encouraged the research, study, and teaching of topics relating to War and Society while also advocating for the stories of our nation’s heroes.

The exhibition consists of twenty-five veterans’ portraits and snippets of their stories, providing a glimpse into a significant moment in our country’s history through the perspectives of older generations of Americans. Many of these interviews had overlap in subject matter: discussion of friendly fire, the role of wives in readjustment, protest, and sacrifice in times of war, loneliness, the list goes on. “I was surprised by the number of veterans I interviewed who thanked me for doing this, indicating that they never did get an opportunity to tell their stories,” Wickes said. “I hope the exhibition will honor their contributions and their perspective.”

Returning to the World: Vietnam Veteran’s Journey will be on display in the Harrison Center’s Underground Gallery through September 29, 2023, and on our online gallery through October 27, 2023. All pieces are available for purchase online and in person.