In 1975, I turned 18. The Vietnam War was pretty much over, as much as any war can be "over" considering the inevitable damage they do to everyone and everything around them. Despite all that, I still thought I wanted to enlist. I wanted to "see the world" as the Navy boys say. I thought it would be an opportunity to "expand my horizons" or "man up" or whatever glib expression that was fashionable at the time. I had no idea what kind of hell I was considering for myself.
My Dad lived that hellish life for too many months. And perhaps yours did too. But, the generation of our fathers went to war, protected you and me and, by the way, considered it an honor to do so. Many of them died physically - and many died emotionally - from the battles of those war torn regions where they made their beds each miserable night (when they could).
At their great cost I live with freedom in this country today. Thanks the sweat and blood of my father and yours, I don’t listen for incoming mortar rounds each night. Perhaps it was your mother, or maybe your grandfather, uncle, aunt, brother or sister that gave of themselves for our country. Regardless, remember them this Veterans Day. Honor Veterans Day by honoring those that have given more than you or I can possibly imagine...and certainly more than we deserve.
(Reposted and edited from my May 29, 2012 Facebook Note)
