I've decided I'm sending mine back..Purple Hearts and the rest

[Bandit]

I have a few medals from Vietnam Service including two purple hearts and many other awards including three V Devices. I had planned on passing them down to my grandchildren but my eleven years old grandson just told me soldiers from Vietnam didn't deserve their medals. He said all his friends are telling him that. I have my scars to remind me so I don't need any of the medals. They are meaningless to my grandchildren so they are meaningless to me as well. I just am not sure where to send them. Should I send them to my Republican Senator or the Media or to the pResident. The trouble with sending them to the Whitehouse is they will just toss them and it will be a meaningless gesture. I am leaning toward sending them to Ted Stevens my ranking Senator. Any advice from the peanut gallery?

[prodigal_green]

1. You earned them. Teach your grandson the truth

do NOT let these motherfuckers win. You served honorably and have more courage in a freckle on your ass (not that I've seen your ass) than that whole group has in a hundred generations.

[rman]

25. Truth is that it was an unjust war

Which isn't something to hold against Bandit (or Kerry for that matter). As usual in war, pretty much everyone who actually took part in battle has been conned into doing so. Truth also is that in that situation many people did brave things; in that respect the medals are deserved. It's just that those brave things were not so much done for the country, for freedom or whatever honorable goal we're made to believe there is to war - except for saving your buddies lives or whatever brave thing it was that you did. But people's lives wouldn't have to be put in danger to begin with, if is wasn't for the con-artistry of the ruling class.
So i can imagine when soldiers find out the were duped, they want to make some symbolic gesture to denounce the system that put them in a situation of war.

[shrike]

2. Send them to Stevens

And let the media know you are doing so. I'm sure you know that your grandson was just repeating what his friends are saying.

[Vladimir]

3. I would not send them back

tell your kids that, whether they think you deserved them or not, they are a historical record and should be preserved. Whats more, every time they see these 'undeserved' medals, they can be reminded of the need to hold their government accountable for things it does in their name.

[Racenut20]

4. We saw too many body bags to give them up

Eleven year olds are salvagable as they grow up. Regardless of the "candy" the Pentagon handed out during the "great war of Iraq", those medals were given to you in an honorable manner by honorable men.

[Richardo]

5. FWIW, Bandit, Your sacrifice and valor are not meaningless to *US*...

Thanks for your service.

What a heart-breaking decision. I'm not a vet so I cannot relate to your quandry. I'd advise you NOT to return them - your grandchildren may come to see their error, especially with a grandpa like you.

If you do send them to Senator Stevens, I'd suggest you copy some media organizations and maybe even someone from the other side of the aisle so your sacrifice doesn't get buried in the name of political expediency.

[Warpy]

6. Try the media and your Senator

Contact your local Democratic Party office and coordinate the whole thing with them. Make it really hard for the media to ignore.

Good luck to you.

Freeper larvae like that really do need the snot slapped out of them.

[shrike]

11. Great suggestion

[blm]

7. Send them to the media.

Or local congressman with the media cameras rolling.

[Jerseygirltoo]

30. I second that

Contact one of the pro-Kerry veterans groups, who I'm sure can contact the media for you. I'm not urging you one way or another, it's your decision. But if you really are determined to turn back the medals, you should let everybody know the reason why.

[thecrow]

48. Better yet, write letters to the editor

and send the letters to about 10,000 news outlets.
This will start a movement, and make other people think.

[luaneryder]

8. To your Senator

I'd send letter to the VA, VFW, DAV, local and national magazines and newspaper as well saying what I had done and why. Also, explain what your grandson said and why you think he said it. This is what the Swift liars have wrought on the nation's veterans! I only have a GCM and an ARCOM and not much of a statement would be made by sending them anywhere, but you are a hero and your statement means something. You mean something! Your service means something! I thank you for your service and appreciate your sacrifice. and the stand you are now taking!

[nomatrix]

9. Republicans "spit" on every soldiers

with this action.

[lukasahero]

10. Please don't

I understand the meaning in what you want to do but please don't let these pathetic little ... I don't even have a word vile enough for them ... to take something away from you that your country gave you in recognition and honor of your service and bravery. Returning your medals will not affect these people - they are hateful and sick. Your grandchildren on the other hand will learn and it seems likely you will be the one to teach them.

[Kira]

12. Please, please keep them.

This ugly time will pass and you will be sad that you don't have them. Thank you for serving our country. It makes me physically ill to see what they have done to the image of our Vietnam vets. I just don't understand how vets can support Bush and all of these lies. Maybe you have some insight into how they don't support Kerry.
You earned them. Don't let these chicken hawks and brainwashed vets sully your record. You deserve to be honored and they cannot take that away from you or any other vet. The truth is absolute and they can't change it. Your medals are part of that truth. Part of it's history. Don't let them rewrite history. Teach your grandson the truth. If he doesn't understand now, he will when he is older and will treasure your gift to him.

[shadu]

13. You gotta keep those medals

Perhaps you should put them away for now.
If you give them away, you will come to regret it.

[Atman]

14. Hang on to them and let the moment pass

Your family history is far too important to use in such a way. The republicans won't care, the SwiftBoat Liars won't care, nothing will change, except for that you'll help Bush denigrate your brave and valued service.

Instead of throwing away the medals, use this as an opportunity to explain to the kids how Bush is basically a school-yard bully trying to play his friends against his enemies...use language the kids will understand. One day, all this will be in the history books, and those medals will be more valuable than ever...as symbols of your brave stand against people who would turn us against ourselves.

[LeftHander]

15. Call a press conference and then pour urine or dung on them

Nothing enrages Republicans more than a political statement with urine...or dung

[JLuckey]

16. Please, they are not meaningless.........

There are Purple Hearts in my family and they are honored. The Republicans have just thrown them in a pile on the floor and PISSED on them. These are the worst possible scum immaginable. I keep asking myself is there no level that they will sink to offend the senses of the American people. There is no bottom here.

[Mick Knox]

17. i have an off the wall idea

Educate your grandson by explaining things.

If you knee jerk toss them; in effect taking your ball and going home, your family will be denied the honor you earned and your grandson will appreciate when he is older than 11.

Reacting to the school yard taunts of 11 y/os is frankly a little immature. You have a duty to teach.

Well thats my take anyway.

[FlaGranny]

18. It occurs to me that

this whole episode is bringing back a lot of what went on when Vietnam veterans were returning home from Vietnam and perhaps educating some of the younger people what it was like to be a Vietnam veteran back in the 60's.

If I were you, I would keep your medals for now, but I would write your Senator, your newspapers, and anybody else you can think of with a similar message to your post. Make your message about your thoughts about returning your medals and why and what your grandchildren said. ASK in your letter if you should return your medals and to whom.

[Bridget Burke]

19. Don't send them back, but write your Senator.

Explain what you've just told us. Copies to relevant media would be good.

[loftycity]

20. Never, Ever Send Your Medals Back-

And teach your grandson about propaganda-- now--so he will be able to critically think and have discrimination to what he is being told and about what he is reading. Take him to see Fahrenheit 911,never to young to learn about propaganda

[ezekiel333]

21. I'm torn, but please keep them

I understand your passion and why you would consider returning them. But you are a real Patriot who earned them and do not let these GOP C***suckers demean your service. Everyone here and all the REAL American patriots honor what you did and the medals you hold. Make your grandchildren understand the truth about Viet Nam. Wear the medals in public and tell everyone what the GOP thinks of your service.

That said, if you do decide to send them back in protest let the DU members help you organize the return so that the media hears about it.

Thank you for your service!
~Gunny C

<http://floridapatriots.com/purpleheartbandaids.htm>

[Vickers]

22. Aw man, don't send them to anyone

Keep them, brother. You earned 'em. Long after Georgie is a bad memory, you will still have your scars and your pride.

Veteran Vickers

[dpbrown]

23. A grateful nation awarded them

And your grandchild's misguided buy-in to the Republican smear-machine will pass.

I think you'll be more satisfied eventually if you keep them now. Keep your options open, and your grandchild's eyes may open as well.

Dan Brown
Saint Paul, Minnesota

[bacchant]

24. Man, this bums me

Republicans preach values and character while they trample any and every boundary of decency and honor. No lie is too big, no attack too brutal, no tactic too treacherous. They're a pathetic breed of hypocrites. Keep your medals, we know why you have them.

[Q]

26. Keep the medals...toss your grandchildren...

...just kidding. Eleven years olds know nothing of the world and simply repeat what they hear...even if they don't understand what they're saying.

- You earned the medals in service to your country and it matters not if the war was 'unjust'.

[IwoVet1945]

27. Keep them

You deserve them, unlike Bush.

[ignatius 2]

28. Don't send them back, you earned them. Find another way to

protest their idiocy, send letters and e-mails to your senators, papers and get the word out to the vets as to what the repigs think of their service to country.

Do not let these brainless swine belittle what you did.

[Neecy]

29. wow

I'm so struck with emotion by your post - I've known so many of our guys who came back and I'm furious that this smear campaign is opening up the wounds for you guys all over again.

All this pain for a cheap campaign stunt. The Republicans have NO honor. The only love they have for our military is to use them as pawns for their New Imperialism.

Whatever you do, we're with you.

[vetwife]

31. I saw what you wrote and I called Congressman Lewis ....

Thank you for your service. Welcome Home !

[LiberalEconomist]

32. This can be big!

I believe you have an opportunity to create a decisive backlash against this administration. Your best bet is to contact your local media: TV stations, radio stations and newspapers. Tell them what you are planning (to return your medals to the military) and at what time you are going to do it. The local media will jump all over this, mainly because it is big. Other vets will see this and some will do the same as you. Soon there will be a huge wave around the country that cannot be ignored. This could be a Rosa Parks moment.

[Nickster]

34. I agree n/t

[Bread and Circus]

33. You deserve honor and respect for serving when our Country asked...

what you do with the medals is up to you.

Perhaps you can teach your grandchildren that things like medals don't matter, only acts and deeds do. However you teach them that, whether it's by sending your medals back or not, is also up to you.

In my opinion, I think you deserve the medals and more. It takes a helluva lot to put your life and limb on the line.

[July]

35. Please keep your medals and talk to your grandson.

Then contact the Kerry campaign and Wes Clark.

We honor your service and your sacrifice. Speak out about the way the Republicans demean those wounded in battle, as well as the armed forces that award the medals.

These people have no honor if they criticize people who went into combat and risked life and limb for our country. How much blood is required to validate a medal? Do they understand that shrapnel kills as well as wounds, and that those with light wounds might have been killed had the shrapnel struck in another place? No, they don't. They have no decency. You do. Be proud of your medals and your service.

[Plaid Adder]

36. Bandit, if you're going to do this, don't do it alone.

This is a big sacrifice for you and you want it to have maximum impact. Contact other veterans in your district who feel the same way and do it as a communal gesture; before you send them off to your congressional rep or Senator find someone at the local paper or the local TV news affiliates to cover it.

This is the first I heard about the band-aids, and I find it all unbelievably disgusting. I realize they all hate Kerry, but I can't understand why that makes them willing to treat all veterans like this--ESPECIALLY when they're sending off new people to get wounded all the time.

@#$!,

The Plaid Adder

[merh]

37. Dear Bandit

Please do not send them back, your grandson is 11, you have time to teach him the truth. The medals are important, please do not let the heartless, evil cowards make you feel otherwise. We are proud of you and we thank you, there are more that appreciate what you did than there are those that mock the service of Vietnam Vets.

Do not despair, do not be ashamed, hold your head high and one day, when you give your grandson the medals, he will understand and cherish them. I pray that he will not have to obtain his own to appreciate yours. We have to stop the evil freeps, we just must.

Welcome home Bandit, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am proud to share this forum with you and the others that have served this nation and protected me.

I salute you :hi: and I pray that the wounds that have been reopened for you heal. :hug: :loveya:

[Bandit]

38. Thank you

n/t

[merh]

42. .

:hug:

[auburngrad82]

63. Don't let them beat you.

You earned those medals. John Kerry earned his medals. My father earned his in Vietnam as well. It is disgraceful that the republican party would attack Vietnam veterans in this way. They think that they are making fun of one man. What they don't realize is that they are belittling the half million men that served in Vietnam and the 50,000+ that didn't make it back.

Call your representatives in Washington. Call your local newspapers and TV stations. Let them know how you feel. Then do everything you can to make sure we get more people to the polls in November than these idiots do. You have earned the right to complain about your government. They have not.

[Gold Metal Flake]

39. I regret that you must ponder this decision.

Your granchildren are just now learning about the world, and, if they are good kids who will be good people their attitudes are not set in stone. One day those medals and your life experiences will mean much more to them as they try to find perspective on their own lives when faced with the responsibilities and difficulties of trying to raise their own children.

But, if you feel that you must make a statement about your service, please do not do it alone. I must imagine that other veterans may feel like you do. Imagine if a thousand veterans returned their medals en masse? Imagine if a thousand veterans stood on the steps of the Capitol and with curses at the repugs and the media, each ass called out by name, and threw the medals at the front doors. Imagine if a thousand veterans called out the chickenhawks by name as they did so. This would have meaning.

I'm not a veteran. I turned 18 in 1981. I am clearly speaking to a topic that I have no real experience with. If you feel I am talking out of my ass, I can not refute the charge. So it is with respect and appreciation to your service that I make this suggestion.

[coalition_unwilling]

40. This makes me feel so sad

My Dad was always circumspect about the Purple Heart he won in Korea and, as he got older, I think he began to view our involvement there with more jaundiced eyes. (He had enlisted in USMC at age 19 in 1949.) But he never had to face any question about whether the medal he received for being shot in the chest was deserved.

If you really feel you should return the medals, I would suggest contacting the local chapter of 'Veterans for Peace' to discuss with them the most meaningful way to return the medals.

But I don't think you should return them.

[vetwife]

41. I do agree..Call a press conference and say..the GOP has dissed your

service and you will stand for it. They have turned your war wounds into a bandaid wound, They have turned Kerry's into a bandaid wound and veterans who have fought the battle unlike George Bush have been dishonored. This is a decision you have obviously made and I won't try and talk you out of it ! Why? Because they have trashed you and every other vet. It is still listed on your DD214 so call the PressConference. When you trash one vet..You trash them all. All that are mamed and broken.

[ezekiel333]

46. Kick

[cally]

43. Please don't send them back

You earned them and one day your grandchildren will want them. Don't let the rethugs win this one. I can only imagine the pain this must cause. :hug:

[fob]

44. Contact the media, maybe a local reporter and have them film

your story, with your grandson too (judgement call is yours on involving him).

Wrap them up with a copy of the smearvets lies and say just what you said here, those guys have made ALL medals worthless and address the package to george w bush c/o Ted Stevens.


AGHAHGAHGHAGAHGHHGHAHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHGHAAGHGHHGHHAHGAHGG-HHGHGHGHGHGHG!!!!

I could just scream all day long.

Gay weddings haven't harmed my marriage, but these smearvets have shamed us all, on behalf of decent Americans everywhere, I apologize for their denigration of your service Bandit.

Edit: That pic with that lady and that fucking band-aid....:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[oldtime dfl_er]

45. dont get rid of them...

My uncle was killed in WWII and was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star. Those meant nothing to me when I was 11. They mean everything to me now. Your grandchildren will grow up to be proud of you. Please don't get rid of the medals. And thank you for your service.

[eleny]

47. Please keep them

It seems that another wound has been inflicted. I know that you can heal it over time by teaching your grandson the real truth. He needs your patience and wisdom more than ever. So, at least think it over and know how much we care about you.

[tandot]

49. Thank you for your Service and Sacrifice, Bandit

Please keep your medals and teach your grandson about war and peace.

Most people honor you and all those people who were willing to fight and die for their country.

But I think the media needs to hear from all Veterans disgusted by these utterly disgraceful tactics they are using.

I am so ashamed of these people dare to call themselves American. Disgraceful, shameful, utterly disgusting... :mad:

[gardenista]

50. When your grandson is old enough to know the truth, he will be ashamed.

That is the time when those medals will mean the most to him. You earned those medals, and one day, your grandson will have the sort of pride in you that has been made stronger because he learned an important lesson. He will come around, and when he does, he's going to need your love, and those medals.

[wicket]

73. I agree

n/t

[Logansquare]

51. Could a vet please write about this to Stars & Stripes?

I want to make sure our enlisted men and women know about this.

[chaska]

52. Do a Max....

Attempt to give them back to Bush personally like Max Cleland and his letter, with media in tow of course. Coordinate with a non Kerry group like Moveon.org or someone similar.

[kentuck]

53. Bandit, I feel for you brother....

I knew this was affecting a lot of people this very way... :(

[LunaC]

54. Before doing anything......STOP

Stop and reflect on your experiences and emotions. Share them with your grandson in a quiet heart-to-heart. Explain that "other people" can sometimes be wrong. Instill in him the importance of thinking for oneself. Arm him with replies to give to the detractors. You have a young Activist-In-Training before you who needs direction and guidance to formulate his own opinions and then stand up to defend them.

To return your medals would send the wrong signal that the liars are right. They're NOT. And your soul knows it, otherwise it wouldn't be such a hurtful insult to your service, sacrifice and integrity. Stand proud and show your grandson what courage and conviction looks like.

[in_cog_ni_to]

55. Please don't send them back, Bandit.

As you said, the Vietnam War was a mistake, but not YOUR mistake. It's your government's mistake. It's your government who sent you to do what they told you to do. YOU did what you had to do to survive. Those medals were earned. Please, keep them. Your grandson will see things differently when he's older. It's a difficult thing for ADULTS to understand. He will cherish those medals someday. Trust me. He will. :hug:

If you choose not to keep them, I surely wouldn't send them to a Repuke Senator. They mean NOTHING to him. Look at who he supports for prez...Mr. AWOL. It will mean nothing to that asshole Stevens. Send them to someone like Keith Olbermann, or Al Franken, or Randi Rhodes or Chris Matthews, maybe. THEY will make sure your story is told....not some damn repuke.

[burrowowl]

56. Don't send them back

but do call a press conference! You are a hero, especially today.

[yellowcanine]

57. Send them to Putrid Patty and notify the press.

Write her a letter informing her that here are some real purple hearts and this is how you got them. Then end with "Are you laughing now Patty?"

Release the letter to the press.

[K-W]

58. Publisize your whole story.

It is very telling. Write letters to everyone telling them about your service and what it did to you to hear your grandson say that.

[Rambis]

59. Organize!

I believe that thousands of vets marching to the Wall and leaving their medals there would be a powerful statement. I wish I had the money to send every vet who would do this there myself. This is the saddest most disgusting vile day in American politics!

[ComerPerro]

60. Don't send them to Bush - He might start wearing them around

[Leilani]

61. Don t you DARE send them back!

I honor your service, as do 99% of the American people.

The Republican operatives are not the real America!

These people are a bunch of chicken hawk phonies, who will use anything & anyone to win an election.

If you send them back, they win...do not let them win.

We are in a fight for the soul of our country...as you are a decorated vet, we need you on our side...with your medals.

[oasis]

62. GOP rating system on sacred symbols. American Flag 10. Purple Heart 5.

The party of chickenhawks has no respect for those who fight under the flag they pretend to hold so near and dear.

[WillyT]

64. Hey Bandit...

One day, when your grandson grows up, he will want and cherish those medals. And he will speak proudly and with reverence of your service and sacrifice.

Don't let him as a young man, think that it was he who caused you to get rid of them. That will haunt him, I assure you.

And one day, when this country grows up... it will be the same thing.

:hug:

Thank you for your service, and blessing to you and yours.

[progressivebydesign]

65. Don't send them back...

You earned them. Just as every other veteran did. Use your anger and disappointment to educate and inspire. Please, please, write up your experiences and send them to every media outlet you can find. Every newspaper locally, and to the Kerry campaign.

[kerry-is-my-prez]

66. Send them to MIchael Moore....

He's the only one who can get any attention nowadays....

[greekspeak]

67. You should not have to sacrifice twice

You sacrificed a part of yourself to earn medals, which little freeperlets have been taught are junk. You should NOT, in America, have to do this. It is unconscionable that you should even have to FEEL you do.

That said, I suggest that you not make a second sacrifice in vain. If you are giving up your medals, it is your choice, and you should make sure that every media outlet you can get to listen to you knows why you are doing it. I would like to see you at Stevens' office throwing the medals down on his desk and thanking him and his cronies for insulting Vietnam veterans everywhere for political gain.

Just remember this if you do give the medals up. You got those medals because you are BRAVE, a HERO. You are what makes America TRULY great, not some chickenhawk sticking a cheap jingoistic bumpersticker on your car. Always carry in your heart that YOU and others who sacrificed are what has made America.

[Wickerman]

68. Bandit

I know you will spend some time with your grandson and explain the true meaning of your medals. Your service is appreciated and your honor is secure, no matter what some asswipes in the lunatic fringe Republican party want to assert.

Do what you like, but you might go to the BX and get some replacements to send symbolically. Have media present. This is powerful stuff. Painful, I am certain, but powerful - the Republicans and their win at any cost have pushed too far this time.

[AgadorSparticus]

69. send them to Micheal Moore or john kerry. this is abominable

what republicans are doing. teach your grandchildren the truth. don't let the conservative agenda rewrite history.

edit: to clarify that i don't think you should send them to anyone. but if you are adamant and have made up your mind to do so, then i say MM or kerry. i can't imagine either men not addressing your pain.

[Cleita]

75. Yes, I was going to suggest the same.

Don't throw them away or send them to those who find self-sacrifice and service to one's country meaningless. A pox on them. I'm sure Moore or Kerry will treat you and your medals with deserved honor.

[DemBones DemBones]

70. Tell the GOP morons to go cheney themselves!

I think this mockery of veterans is the nastiest and most unpatriotic Republican stunt in our lifetimes.

But they always have been the party of chickenhawks.

We all need to fight back against their smear campaign because it does reflect on all veterans.

You need to have a long talk with that grandson -- and his parents! It's true that you served in a bad war but that in no way discredits your service. Your medals are as well-deserved and valid as those earned in WW II.

[otohara]

71. I Say Go For It

Do a press release stating what time you will arrive at Steven's office. Follow up with phone calls to make sure someone comes to cover the event. Make an appt with Steven's prior to going.

Make a statement - those medals came in handy afterall. Your grandchildren will never forget this gesture.

[Booster]

72. Hold on to them - at least until after this election.

You earned them and America gave them to you for your service - I gave them to you, we all gave them to you and none of us doubt that you earned them. Someday, after this nightmare is over, you will have reason to feel good about what you did for your country once again - don't let them win, hold on to them.

[mfritz]

74. Return them to WH like VVAW did

If you want to get some media attention on this alert the press and take them to the WH like the VVAW did in that protest. That would be an story the press couldn't resist.

[noiretextatique]

76. this thread made my cry

one of the few to ever elicit that response since i signed on in 2001. you grandson doesn't know what he's saying...especially since he's getting his information from his peers. i'm sure he will be very proud to have your medals once he gets a little older.
i cannot believe how disrepectful republicans are being to people who have put their lives on the line for this country...it's just appalling, cruel, and just the most vile display i have witnessed from them to date.
i am sorry that you and other veterans have to experience this...it's just shameful.
best of luck with whatever decision you make.

[sistersofmercy]

77. You should keep them, they are your's and you deserved them!

Don't let these disgraceful truly unAmerican fools rob you of your honor. Explain to your grandson how and why you received them and that those metals are given with honor and respect.

[Lisa]

78. those schoolyard bullies can "shove it"!

This is coming from a Canadian who was babysat by draft-dodgers -- so I'm probably not qualified to speak on this issue, but regardless, my opinion is that soldiers from Vietnam are just as deserving of awards as those who fought in the Revolutionary War, WWII -- or Iraq.

ESPECIALLY the Purple Heart. It's one of the most famous medals in the world, originally created by George Washington himself. I don't think your grandson is old enough to realize its significance yet. Millions of Americans went to war over the past 2 centuries , and based on the ones I have met, I believe that the vast majority of them didn't go to win glory for themselves or make the US a superpower -- they went so their children and grandchildren wouldn't have to experience war.

I believe your grandson will understand someday. There will be other children too, whom you will never see -- they will be beyond the touch of your hands, and the only way they will know you is through photographs, recordings, and the possessions you leave them.

But, what the Plaid Adder said -- if you talk to other veterans and they are having similar things happen in their families -- perhaps you could all act together. The children shouldn't be allowed to forget ... and more to the point, if grown-ups are telling them that the experience in Vietnam should be hidden away, something must be done about that. I don't care if the people saying those things are on the left or the right -- it's wrong.

Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it.

[Spirochete]

79. Keep your medals

Medals will soon be infinitely more significant than Republicans, hopefully.

[Imalittleteapot]

80. Don't send them back. DO SEND letters to your

congressional reps, the WH, the DNC and the media to inquire to whom you should return the medals.

Your grandchildren will be proud of your service and your medals someday.

[laylah]

81. NOOOOO!

You served, right, wrong, or indifferent! You did what you thought was the right thing to do! You DID earn those medals! My heart hurts hearing that your grandson is being taunted like that...AND, keep in mind, he's only 11. With a grand-dad like you, he'll grow up to know the truth and appreciate what you did! Please reconsider!

:hug:
Jenn

[matcom]

82. send them back

your "country" doesnt' appreciate you anymore. they SAY they do but they don't.

see my post (from a PEACETIME VET) on this forum.

i'm sorry pal. i really am.

i'm feeling quite fucked right now.

PEACE my brother.

peace.

[enki23]

83. both

send them to your senator, and write a letter to the media--with a photograph of the medals--explaining what you are doing, and why.

[bobbieinok]

84. DON'T SEND THEM BACK.....educated your grandson...ALL VETS ON DU

ORGANIZE MONSTER MEDIA EVENT

don't let the creepy goopies wear you down

(from over 60 woman who was against VN war...1 brother served in VN)

[rockymountaindem]

85. Don't send them back.

Your family will appreciate them later. Don't let a bunch of arrogant, uneducated mini-Republicans get you down.

[Toots]

86. Your pain is palpable....but don't be hasty

Everyone wants to leave some legacy. Establish a heritage for their offspring that they can be proud of. I feel your pain because of these heartless bastards you feel that slipping away. It isn't really. This too will pass. You served your country admirably and that is more than these @*!#holes can say. Peace on you and Wellcome Home. I'm sure they would never say that to you unless you could gain them something. Think long and hard and do the right thing.

[roguevalley]

87. Send them to the Anchorage Daily News with a heartfelt letter. Make them

count for you and your pain, honey, if you do decide to send them away. The life you save may be my nephews and neices. (All draft
bait)

[underseasurveyor]

88. Eleven year olds don't always understand what they're saying.

Repeating things like a parrot in order to fit 'in' or more importantly to not 'stand out' is normal for eleven year olds. This is where the vitally important job of parents and grandparents comes in to play.

Keep them. One day your grandson will understand and he will want to see them, touch them and wonder, and he will one day feel the pride because of who his granddaddy is.

Ridding yourself of medals because of what a child says about them now might one day turn to guilt when that child becomes a man. Don't do that to the little feller. I mean come on, my grandfather got rid of his medals because of something I said when I was eleven? Nah.

Keep them :thumbsup:

[lostnfound]

92. Agreed. Your grandson will never forgive himself.

So keep them and pass them on. Write him a letter about what they have meant to you, how you feel about your experiences, give him advice, or whatever -- and put it with the medals.

If you're really set on getting rid of them, the Michael Moore route has its positives. But I think you should keep them.

[ignatius 2]

89. Brainstorm..Send them to Ophrah and go on. This is the perfect place

for your story. She touched millions of people everyday. If you are going to do this, call her..many will then know what turmoil and heartbreak the evil BFEE and their laymen have wrought.

God bless, I know you will do what is right for ypu and your family..you have already done what was right for your country..

[LiberalCat]

90. Don't send them anywhere.

This is just a snap-shot in time. With explanations, your grandchildren will grow to appreciate them. Don't let the neocons do this to you. You should be proud. Things change. I'm afraid that you and your grandchildren will regret it if you throw them away. Especially the one bringing home tales from school. He will feel so bad one day for hurting you. Let him grow up and learn the errors of this thinking.

Instead, write to your Senator and tell them his party has made the country turn on its troops. Why don't they support the troops? What kind of Americans and patriots are they if they don't support the troops? I say, shame the repukes with words, not with your medals.

Thanks for your service.

[walldude]

91. Please don't Bandit,

Your grandson is just young. I am a grandson of a WWII Vet who got "just a scratch" when he was parachuting into Normandy. 2 Weeks later he died from infection and complications. After my father(another vet) died I was given all his medals and letters home, plus articles about his unit that my dad had saved. I was 16 years old when I recieved these. When I got them I boxed them up and didn't see or think about them for years. Cut to the present. I am now 40 years old and just moved into a new place. During the move I found that old box. I carefully went through all the letters and newspaper clippings to more understand who my grandfather was. I now have a display case where I keep his most stirring letters, his Purple Heart and the flag I was given when my father died. Even though I never served myself I am proud of the sacrifices my family made for this once great country. Your grandchildren will grow up and one day want to know more about you, please don't deny them the honor of knowing what you did for your country because of a few ignorant morans. I promise you one day they will want to know the truth.