Vietnam War Memorial

[Gunny]

For those that served during this time, Thank You. War is Hell as many of us know first hand. The insult of coming home to a unappreciative and hostile public was further insult to the hell already endured. Never mind the politics of this war, or any war. What is important to me is that those who served and did as they were told, when they were told and survived get recognition for their service. For those that made the ultimate sacrifice and are no longer with us, I salute you this day by lowering my flagpole to half mast and saying a prayer of thanks for your sacrifice.

 

[Fred W. Hargis Jr]

Indeed, well put Gunny. I was unaware that there was a VN veteran's day (head hanging in shame); and I think it is much deserved.

[lew]

Thank You, Gunny, for remembering.

 

It was many years before I could go to "The Wall".

Edited March 29, 2020 by lew

[hatuffej]

It is important to understand that the war became very unpopular because our guys were being killed or wounded in a war we should not have gotten into. Mob mentality seemed like it was directed against individual GIs but really it was against the government, and GIs represented the government. Human nature in action. I was drafted in March, 1968, assigned to the infantry, and traveled through several western airports wearing my Greens and never saw any disrespect toward GIs. After I was discharged, I joined a protest and burned my draft card! Healing is the important issue here. 

hat