A customer and I were talking, and he was talking about his military service years ago. The emotion was still raw as he talked about how he was spitted on when he returned home from Viet Nam. Imagine yourself in his shoes as a 20 something.
We will have a new generation of young soldiers carrying the scars of war, emotionally and physically. Does not matter what political sides you are on, please show some respect to them, it is the least we can do for their sacrifice.
No need to glorify war but please thank a vet when you meet one, it is the honorable and decent thing to do.
Just imagine!
ReplyDeleteLike your customer, I also did a “Tour of Duty” in Vietnam.
Just imagine the constant fear of living day to day not knowing if it’ll be your last. Will your last moments be quick and painless or slow and agonizing? Will you have time to say a final prayer?
You count your days remaining as you become “Short”. ( less than 30 days left). And pray that nothing stupid happens. Your count both anxiously and nervously: “5 days short, 4 days, 3 - 2 - 1. You made it! You’re going home!”
Now try to imagine the collective sigh of relief when the plane full of war weary soldiers lifted off from that hell hole of a country! We were safe…We made it… We’re on our way!!!
During the 14 hour flight home, you try to bury the sights, the sounds and the smells of war back into the deepest recesses of your mind.
You thank God that you survived, you reminisce of those who didn’t and pray for those left behind.
The cabin of the plane was silent as you try to occupy your mind not with what was, but was to be.
Then imagine the jubilation of the plane touching down on American soil. Our screams of joy and laughter as our minds filled with the anticipation of going home and holding our loved ones who waited for our safe return.
Now imagine our disappointment as we were met by a wall of hostile protesters who called us names, spit on us and threw dog shit and garbage at us as we passed.
Imagine how much that hurt… it will always hurt.
Soldiers, young and old, struggle every day to forget the horrors of war; however returning to an ungrateful nation is both unforgettable and unforgiveable.
For those who experienced the above; a “Welcome Home” ceremony at Lambeau Field will never erase that horrible memory.
Just Imagine!
I thank you, sir. I only need to imagine it, and not live in it and carry it.
ReplyDeleteI hope people out there understand the Viet Nam vets are truly a dying breed with much quicker rate at younger age than other wars.
Support your vets and show your appreciation!
Agreed. Sadly, a lot of vietnam vets turned to alcohol as therepy upon their return. They might not of had to do so had their been a supportive nation waiting for them. that might have been the straw that broke the camel's back.
ReplyDelete