Whenever I leave the wall I wish I was a better guy. I talked to a bunch of veterans this weekend and I am constantly amazed at their love of country and the upbeat way they approach life. I made the comment that I haven't forgiven Kerry for his accusations against his fellow veterans. The guy I was talking to said "We all make mistakes when we're young, give him a break." I thought "Sure." I want to forgive and forget, but I still can't do that. My loss. I watched the closing ceremonies of the moving wall, and I thought many times about what it all meant. I still love my country and I would fight for it again. The veterans I talked to were mostly the same way. They just wanted the government to acknowledge the mistakes that were made in the war. I watched a flag ceremony that was conducted by the Freedom Riders. The respect that was showed the flag was absolutely beautiful; this from men who were hung out to dry by their politicians and made a human sacrifice to political expediancy. Yet these men still saluted the flag with the utmost respect and you would be hard-pressed to find more patriotic Americans. I still have a way to go to reach the level of these men who are at peace with their lot. I'll get there. Someday.
9 comments:
the courage of our vets who came home to immoral and embarrassing citizens is beyond scope. I feel one reason there is not a backlash aganist our vets coming from Iraq is the guilt from baby boomers and Vietnam. Yes, hollywood is less forgiving, but they are still stuck in that decade emotionally and intellectually
L&O Teach, I'm glad you had that experience. From what you have written you have experienced an emotion that many Americans will never experience, Because of the situation you found yourself in the feeling person that one can feel from your posts, You cannot hep but become part of the moment that escapes explanation. Make sense????? I was explaining something that happened to me in another country to an individual when another person came up to me and said "Thank You, for your service to this country." I was thunderstruck for a reply. No one has ever thanked me for my service in either Korea or Vietnam, I was speechless.....stay well....
I still HATE John Kerry. I respect him for going but what he did when he returned was unexcusable. Him, Jane Fonda, and their ilk cost many hundreds if not thousands of Americans their lives. When you give the enemy the idea that if they can hold on long enough, you'll leave, they don't give up. The war drags on and costs more lives. That is why today in Iraq---NO TIMETABLES!!
Tapline, I never got a thank you either, until the last couple of years. It usually comes after I thank a young returning serviceman from Iraq or Afghanistan. I have had many people here on the blogs say thank you also, which prompts me to say "Thank you Tapline!"
Tap and AA,
Thanks for the visit.
I hope that all veterans receive a proper welcome home someday. It still disturbs me that soldiers are confused with the mission. Soldiers don't deal in politics, they deal in survival. Do the mission and come home. Nothing more, nothing less. I don't remember being enamored with the political situation considering my time. I remember wanting to get the hell out of there. I voted, but theoretical political discourse seems rather trivial when bullets whistle by, eh? Welcome home.
Law and Order Teacher: I feel the same wat about Kerry. One should NEVER desert, disrespect, or disparge men and women that he served with. That is soemthing I cannot forgive. Blood is thicker than water (or political).
Our vets should NEVEr be forgotten for their service. I have been to The Wall in washington DC and The Travelling Wall a few times. It always moved me to tears.
I guess I have got to get my butt down to D.C. and visit the Wall. The traveling wall is coming to my area soon, but I know if I go see that one, I won't ever get to the real thing. I guess 40 years is long enough to heal. It's my time to go see it. Already told the wife she can't come with me. I have no way to know if I'll want to be there 10 minutes or 10 hours.
AA,
I am gratified to hear that you are ready to tackle the trip. The need to be alone is yours. I was glad my wife was with me but she did leave me alone for a time to digest it all. I think you'll feel some pain, but it will make a chapter in your life more bearable. Kind of like itching a constant scratch that finally stops. Good luck. Let me know how it went. God bless you.
I'll certainly do that. It may not be right off if I decide to go to DC, but if the traveling Wall ends up being my choice, it should be soon. I guess I should at least find out just when it's supposed to be here. Maybe the wife could accompany me to that one, if I decide to stay and she wants to leave, it's only 6 miles, I can walk home!
AA,
Whatever it takes. Good luck, brother. Welcome home.
Post a Comment