How do you feel about Veterans Day?

Question

I spent 30 years in the US Marines and wrote this when I came home from Vietnam. to a place where no more internal battles are fought and no more sadness felt for those they once knew and lost. Places no one will ever remember, that is, no one but those who were there. Battles, large and small, in war and within ones-self, that do not rate a mention in history but definitely helped write it. Sounds of long ago but were only yesterday this morning. Survivors A time of remembrance for me... of young faces I once knew a lifetime ago who are no longer here and of a lot that are. Faces of my beloved family who fought in WW2 and Korea who have crossed over guilt but deep inside.... glad it wasn't me. Reading citations and asking myself," Did I really do that"? Looking for lost loves and lost youth knowing that you will find neither. Memories, some good...some bad. Touching the scars on my body from shrapnel and on my chest from a 7.62. Looking at that rifle that I brought home with me that put that bullet there and remembering the young Vietnamese that once held it that I killed almost at the same time as he shot me. Looking into a mirror and then at a picture on a wall and wondering where did that kid disappear to? Still feeling the pride that I felt then and feeling pride in those who wear, or have worn, the uniform of today ( Do you ever really take it off?) Looking at my sons face, my daughters faces, my grandchildren's faces, and whispering a prayer that they will never forget me or others like me who sacrificed so much so other people may seek freedom and have rights and when necessary, fight for this country and for their rights that so many of its citizens take for granted. Looking at the colors and feeling the pride for I know the price many youth have paid to keep it flying. Understanding, that one more year has passed and that I am closer to paying my dues to the one I cheated out of them three+ times. Not really caring about life or death personally anymore for after what I went through, saw, did, etc. what is really left but the waiting.... just like then. Yes, today I especially remember. Thanks for serving. Welcome home. God bless and see you in Fiddler's Green. With Veterans day tomorrow I would like to know what you think and how you feel. Thanks

Answer 1

While I'm sitting here with tears running down my face from your wonderful comment; I honestly don't think anyone can "top" what you just said. We respect and honor you and more like you. To wear any uniform in the military should give you and others great pride. We, I know I won't, ever forget all you have done and all that continue to do what they are doing for our country and people. May God always bless you now and always.

Answer 2

Sir, your story hits very close to home to me. I like the quotation a Vet made when a shrink asked him when he was last in Vietnam,he replied "Last night.". I spent years not understanding why I did and felt the way I did until one shrink picked up on what was going on.I didn't think I was affected by PTSD and I wasn't even sure it was for real. I thought I was above that. I thought I was to much of a macho man to have that. Now after researching it and going the a Vet Center, I can see how it has been a big factor in my life.Now after seeking help, I'm learning how to deal with the dreams, waking thoughts and my reactions to things. It ain't easy and there is no cure, but I can see that there are ways I can deal and live a sum what normal life.I live in Vietnam every day of my life,but you and I can learn to put things into perspective, but you first have to seek help and work very hard at it. PTSD isn't to be blamed for everything that has screwed in my up my life, but It is a very big factor and still is. People who have been through what we have can't be expected to just forget where we've been and we never will, but we can bring come to terms with it. Hang in there,seek help,work on it real hard and we can get through this. You are not alone, you have many brothers. In my feeble way ,I sincerely hope I have helped you in some way. Semper Fi brother and good luck.

Answer 3

I'm a woman veteran (USMC, VietNam-era) and I'm greatly disturbed by the lack of respect. In most places, Veterans' Day is just another work day. The owner of the company for which I work was at the Chosin Reservoir and even he doesn't respect the day. The company is very small and there are 5 veterans working there (actually 1/3 of the employees) and we don't get any acknowledgement for what we've done.
By the way, Semper Fi, brother, and thank you.

Answer 4

veterans day is bitter-sweet for me, being an iraqi war vet its still very fresh in my mind. looking around my home and seeing the faces, and still hearing the voices of 6 of my friends that were killed there. i do get a little mad at some "civilians" that dont truely appriciate what vets day is for and the price we as vets paid and still pay everyday. i only hope that my sons and daughter will never have to see or do or go through the things i have.

Answer 5

My father was a WW11 vet and he never let anyone forget while he was alive. Two of my sons are in the Canadian Military now. I was a teen when you and others served in Viet Nam. I thought about guys like you a lot back then.I met some young guys on their way there. Cried a few tears for them-knowing that a lot of them wouldn't make it back home.I still think about you and guys like you and now I cry for the ones who won't make it home today. I don't like war. Especially this current one. I respect you and everyone like you who did what they thought was right for your country, but I don't agree with it.

Answer 6

WOW, THAT WAS A VERY TOUCHING LETTER, I HAVE NEVER BEEN TO WAR, BUT I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT YOU WENT THROUGH, AND BACK THEN YOU WEREN'T REALLY RECOGNIZED, BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, LIKE THE ONES, THAT ARE FIGHTING IN IRAQ, WELL I JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOU DID, AND I'M GLAD THAT GOD, WAS WITH YOU WHEN YOU WENT TO WAR, AND ALSO WHEN YOU TOOK A BULLET, AND LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT, AND ALL THAT YOU WENT THROUGH IN THE WAR. YOU ARE ALSO RIGHT ABOUT HOW PEOPLE TAKE THEIR FREEDOM FOR GRANTED. I HAVE TO ADMIT YOUR(LETTER) TOUCHED MY HEART VERY MUCH, AND I WILL NEVER FORGET VETERANS DAY AGAIN FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE, BECAUSE OF YOU. MAKE GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MY REAL NAME IS NADINE, AGAIN THANK YOU FOR BEING SO BRAVE. I WILL NEVER FORGET THIS.

Answer 7

I attended a program at my kid's elementary school and had the honor of sitting with Army, Air Force, Marinesa and other Navy Vets while 2nd graders sang patriotic songs. It always chokes me up when kids salute us and call us heroes. I hope they always feel that way.

I was damn proud to sit in such distinguished company.

Answer 8

I'm young and never had to face war personally. But Veteran's Day is a profound experience for me. I know people whose lives were forever changed by war. I always pause to remember and say my thanks. I can't imagine the horror and pain fully, but I never want to let my own ignorance dull it. I send my thanks to all the veterans out there and send my prayers to those still affected by the unspeakable images locked in their heads. You are remembered and I wear my poppy proudly. God Bless.

Answer 9

Semper Fi

Answer 10

i feel upset for the vets . i am not sure what we what out of our time i would just like a thank you for doing what i could not bring myself to do . i went to mc'ds this mors morning to look for the vets but none where there i will try again on sat morn i buy all the old guys coffee and thank them for doing a job that at the time i was too young to do . i don't want much just a thanks kevin 307eng 82nd abrn