text:  This is one of our American anthems, songs Americans embrace in ways that reveal who we are. This song emerged in the years after the Vietnam War. Lauren Anke, the director of NPR Music, has followed Springsteen's career. He did a big benefit in the summer of 81 for Vietnam veterans in Los Angeles and met with vets. And after that tour ends, there's a number of places where he's trying to write about the Vietnam veteran experience.