Veteran's Legacy

[Sleeping Dragon]

My Brothers and Sisters,

I want to start with some information from a book writtern by Chuck Dean called Nam Vets. The portion I'm quoting was on a web.site, winoverptsd.com. I don't like the site name bacause it implies that it's possible to conquer post traumatic stress, and that just ain't so.

Anyway, here's what Dean says, and I've heard similar figure from other soucers:
*Fifty-eight-thousand-plus Americans died in the Vietnam War. Over 150,000 have committed suicide since the war ended.
*Of those veterans who were married before going to Vietnam, 38 percent were divorced within six months after returning from Southeast Asia.
*Five-hundred thousand Vietnam veterans have been arrested or incarcerated by the law. It is estimated that there are 100,000 Vietnam vets in prison today, and 200,000 on parole.
*Drug-and-alcohol abuse problems range between 50 percent and 75 percent.

The above numbers vary depending on whose information you read. But, all point to the same huge problems. And, those numbers only include Vietnam veterans. We've had many conflicts and three major wars sinse our war ended.

So, what's happening now? Well, on Monday we're gonna have a parade. Then, we may have a BBQ if the weather holds. I wonder how many parades there'll be in Afghanistan? I don't remember us having any on the Laosian border in 67.

After all the week end fun many of us will go back to our local VA, and hope we actually get a chance to see a doctor. Truly my Brothers and Sisters, all we really have is one another and a few close family members and friends. But, that's all we've really ever had.

So, from me to you, all my best and all my love. May you find the peace and joy that each of you earned.

SD

 

[JarHed]

Came upon this from the poem Ulysses by Sir Alfred Lord Tennison.

We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Semper Fi

JarHed

 

[BaMuoiBa]

SD, we'll remember those who gave all in all theaters of war and rightly so. Although the statistics you stated are fact the total impact is shouldered by those who returned (far different than when we departed) and their families. Maybe we should have a parade or holiday honoring their patience, tears, unwavering love and kindness. Nah, it would not sell on the shopping network.

I was in my old stomping grounds yesterday and decided to take side trip to where my folks are buried. I don't do it as often as I should but thats OK. As I did a bit of house cleaning around the stone I thought of the sacrifices made by these two wonderful selfless people out of pure love for their children. None of this could I see while they were alive and explains the true emotional wasteland I had become. The beast shares no bond.

Not a military cemetery, yet I could not help to notice the small flags that randomly noted the graves of veterans. Again, I was moved, these men and women marked by bronze and stone should not be forgotten. As I walked back to the car I paused at each flag. Thank you Edward..., John...., William..., Margaret.... if no one thanked you for your service today may I be the first.

Feeling is not one of my strong points but I'm working at it. Enjoy the holiday and remember someone not here with us but only in spirit.

Ba

 

[Sarg]

I kept trying to think of something to add to the above. I can't. Well done, Gentlemen.

Sarg