I saw the broken bodies and/or minds that could never be repaired, the diseases that would could never be completely cured.
So many of our finest men and women would come home with PTSD; others turned to alcohol or drugs to wipe for a short while the memories of what they saw and had to do during that war. A good number have committed suicide.
The families of these men and women suffered as well. Marriages were destroyed, children had to grow up with an alcoholic or severely depressed parent. Mother and fathers watched as their child slowly destroyed his or her life. I'm sure each of you get the picture and can add to it.
Veterans Admin.is remains dealing with the homeless and ill from that war!
My own brother came back an alcoholic with flash backs - got divorced, leaving 3 young children with a single parent. It took his 4th wife to understand and help him turn his life around.
I hate it when people learn that I was a part of that war and thank me for my service - where were they when the VN vets. came home to ridicule? Where were they when Bush sent us a RETIRED ARMY pin and a letter wanting us to encourage young people to enlist in his (Cheney &Rumsfeld's)war plans.
Where were they when I along with several others were at home on leave and sitting in church (in uniform) and the minister calls us "baby killers"?
Except for a few funerals, I have not been to church since.
Bob Dylan said in June 1062, "I am only 21 years old and I know there's been too many wars... you people over 21, you're older and smarter."
I'm now 86 y.o. and I say, yes Bob, we ARE older but, we are still NOT any smarter. And no, I do not sleep well at night. May the fires of Hell burn brighter and hotter for anyone and everyone who plans and promotes a war!
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