22. From Sea to Sea

While Canada officially remained neutral during the Vietnam War, a notable few thousand Canadians defied this stance, crossing the border to enlist in the U.S. Army and participate in the conflict. Motivations varied from a sense of duty to adventure-seeking and ideological beliefs.

Some Canadians found it challenging to resist the allure of joining a major international conflict, while promises of excitement or career opportunities drew others. Despite Canada’s neutral stance, its citizens’ involvement in the Vietnam War shows the complex web of personal motivations and global influences that shape individuals’ decisions during times of international turmoil.