very special medal from that Terrible War. Not just a medal of bravery and service out of gratitude, but in apology for the non-welcome home they got. I have never in my life felt so ashamed for my country. My college years were 1966-71 like many Boomers we "came of age" at a time of complete chaos in our culture. Those years shifted me from my very right wing religious, yea Bircher, upbringing.
I was anti-war and still am. I didn't want anyone I knew to have to go because it was a stupid war...ginned up by the politicians and we knew it. The college was a hotbed of anti-war activity, even though the area was pretty Republican. This was Nixon's alma mater...hanging him in effigy was only one of the things we did. The Administration was not happy, but remained pretty cool as a liberal arts college.
I left the formal movement when the near-treasonous sentiment began. It was against young men who either felt it their duty and volunteered, couldn't honestly be a CO, didn't head off to Canada, didn't pull a Ted Nugent, or got drafted ... and it turned personal and critical. And worse, as they returned...those that did...and even the dead, were not met with the proper welcome, thanks, honor.
This does not in any way reflect on those who for whatever reason, did not end up in the military or overseas. Life meets us all where we are. Nor do I intend to ignore the Veterans from other earlier and later and current wars. But this one was very personal and wrongs need to be just a little righted. I flat out cried at the photo and was grateful for the article.
So in my small way, in honor of these two men, to everyone on this board (or anyone they know) who served during those years, regardless of the reason, I say Thank You from the bottom of my heart and I wish we could have a digital parade or something.
Edit history
Recommendations
0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):
= new reply since forum marked as read