|
Coming Home From Viet Nam
I have both good and bad memories of Vietnam and have
seen things that most people only have Nightmares about. Vietnam was an endless
succession of miseries, death, wounded, steaming heat scorched jungles, rain,
exhaustion, malaria, dysentery, jungle rot, armies of insects, poisonous
snakes, snipers, body bags, and the never ending fear of death.
Despite the severe limitations and absolutely insane
"rules of engagement" and "body counts" imposed on us by
both our weak-kneed civilian and military "leadership", we did our
best, but became pawns in this war game. It's hard to fully comprehend how U.S.
forces never lost a major battle but lost South Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos to
the communists. America's political and military leadership simply lacked the
will, the honesty and the courage needed to have a successful outcome. Had the
political leaders had the same courage as the warriors, many lives could have
been spared.
Bonds of Brotherhood in combat never die and we were
never so alive as we were with the men we faced death together with in Vietnam.
When I meet other Vietnam Veterans I immediately feel a Bond, a Brotherhood
that only we who had been there can understand. My life would be missing a part
if I did not have this comradeship with my fellow Veterans. Non Vets say
"it's been thirty years, forget about it." I am here to tell you that
you cannot forget the defining episode in your life that sets you apart from
others. How can you forget something as life changing an experience as the War
in Vietnam?
Upon returning from Vietnam, to the United States, I have
bad memories of how Vietnam Vets were treated by the cowardly and shameful
media and protestors. Men who bore arms and did so with honor, came home to be
brushed aside while less courageous, less honorable men rose to represent an
era."I was that, which others cared not to be. I went
where others feared to go and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing
from those who gave nothing. And, reluctantly, accepted the thought of eternal
loneliness - should I fail. I have seen the face of terror, felt the chill of
fear, warmed to the touch of love. I have hoped, pained, cried. But, foremost,
lived in times others would say, best forgotten. At the very least, in later
days, I will be able to say with greatest pride, that I was indeed a
Soldier" – Author Unknown
|
