It was another lifetime, that I don't think much about; and possibly, that is what got me to this point. I spent most of 1972 off the coast of North Vietnam, serving our Republic as my Dad did prior, during WWII and the Korean Conflict; he didn't believe he was a hero either. My years at Port Angeles High School were spent having the best time of my life, at that point, knowing what lie ahead, being reminded every single day on the 6:00 News with Walter Cronkite. In all honesty, I am embarrassed when people thank me for my service, because for many it was a one way journey, who came home in a body bag. It's been over half a century ago, with a lot of life and living having transpired during the interim. I came back home. and tried to relate to the social circle I had known prior; I didn't fit any longer and began my new life that many of my Brothers and Sisters never got the opportunity to live. I was discharged two weeks before the Fall of Saigon. I celebrate life every day; good, challenging, or whatever prevails, "living is the chief cause of death". Thank you all for your sentiments.
I heard from another service member whose response to the "thank you for your service" is, "You were worth it." I appreciate that perspective and have responded thusly when met with the same greeting.
I do hear you, but realize I will never know how you really feel. You are one of so many voices expressing how much war has affected them. I just finished talking to a Vietnam Vet. His statement says it all. "I don't feel like I ever came home" PTSD
The U.S. changed so dramatically, from the perspective we left with, and on that of our return. I see much of the same over the past 2 decades, perspective is the key to a life of misery, or that of relative enjoyment; "The joy is in the ride."
John, my father's medevac flights never went away. My Mom told me he would shake in bed like he was still in a helicopter rescue mission. He, as so many, don't talk about their war experiences. Too painful to remember and too hard to explain.
I'm so sorry for your PTSD. I have a daughter (82nd Airborne) and son-in-law (Marine) who both have PTSD from combat service in Iraq (two different campaigns). I understand that it stays with you and I'm sorry for that. You have sacrificed much for our country. I hope you feel some sense of our appreciation for your dedicated protection of our country. Wishing you all the best.
I was in high school when my father was sent to Vietnam. He was a Col in the Marine Corps and had a "Huey" helicopter squadron who flew Medevac missions. He was awarded the Silver Star among other medals while in Vietnam. I don't think you will ever find a closer union forged between the "band of brothers" who fight in any war. It's something no one else can understand, but I would see the love they carried for each other at every reunion. When my father died, the Marines lined the street in front of our house, made a speech and gave him the Bugle Taps. He was later buried in Arlington Cemetery with a fly over in the missing man formation and the twenty one gun salute. I was never prouder of my father and all those that have served than on that day. I thank all you who served our country and in Vietnam!
I cannot imagine having my father leave during my high school years. A good reminder that it wasn't just our veterans who gave all, so did their families.
Thank you for posting this, Jennifer. "Taps" still create a lump in my throat and a tear in my eyes, when played recently at one of my Brother's memorial.
I'm glad you were able to carry that honor through your life of your dad's sacrifices. Ceremonies are important in our lives and it sounds like your father's passing was properly honored. Best wishes.
Thank You! It is wonderful to see recognition for the Viet Nam Veteran. As a Combat Infantry VNam I’m always aware of our freedom and its cost. It pains me dearly to see such disdain for our elected President. If the people voted for a leader we need to give him the chance to lead. In the service we learned to trust our leadership and fight for each and everyone of our brothers. Why do we have voting if we are not going to let our leaders lead. Wake up America we have the enemies in our troops. We don’t need any JANE FONDA’S!
John Cuny, you are recognized, what the combat Infantry saw and experienced from ground level is nothing we can smell, hear, taste or see, but I'm sure is imprinted in your brain. I hear all Veterans of Wars, speak about brothers and a brothership. It's a bond that most of us will never experience, but one that keeps entering into the words from veterans. No, we never needed Jane Fonda what was needed was an understanding of why there was a war. Many died not knowing why they died.
Thank you, Jeff, for showcasing our veterans. And thank you, Comm. Johnson for your dedication and commitment to helping our vets. Most of all, THANK YOU, VETERANS for your patriotism and service to our country. Because of your bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to service, we have our United States of America, the land of the free. I have many family members and close friends who have served in various branches and wars. God bless you and keep you all in His loving care. I am proud to be an American.
It’s a real shame how they were treated after surviving horrific attacks over and over… then they stepped off the plane to a bunch of college age dirty hippies with nothing better to do than protest and scream at them. And the government didn’t treat them any better… still hasn’t. Illegals get treated better. Law abiding citizens protest at the capitol, paid domestic terrorist lite cities on fire, riot kill innocent people and blow up cars when they want to make a difference. Sorry I went off topic. Thank you for putting your life on the line so I could live freely here
My husband also served in Vietnam in the Navy… much of the above comments are apart of his … he went on to serve LAPD for another 25 years… only to see the wasted beginning here at home…
Honor goes out to all of you who have given to our country your hearts, minds and bodies!
I do greatly appreciate the efforts to reach out to all US Military veterans to thank them and to show appreciation for their efforts~! I also like any real government effort to extend a helping hand to US Military veterans and active service members of any age. However, due to the many obvious problems that the local governments leadership has caused, especially relating to mismanagement of public funds and issues of transparency, I strongly encourage good and generous Americans in the general public to directly help the folks who have served and who currently serve in the US Military where that help is maximized. That help can be as small as buying a veteran a cup of coffee or perhaps paying for a meal when you see a veteran in our community eating beside you in a restaurant. If you can, maybe buying a veteran a tank of gas or some groceries when you notice them as you go about your daily business? Does your elderly veteran neighbor need a little help mowing his/her lawn? If you see a veteran who is going through some difficult financial times by standing in line at the local food bank, maybe the generosity of offering them a little cash would be welcome... Instead of allowing ourselves to be completely distracted and divided by the criminals of humanity and their never-ending "fear porn" machine, it would go a long way to heal the wounds of the past to reach out personally to let the veterans know that you care and appreciate them for what they have gone through and endured~! In fact, this is an excellent time to look at ALL Americans as "survivors" of what has beyond any doubt been extraordinarily difficult times, so it would be best to personally reach out to anyone who is struggling, and our US veterans should always be on top of that list~! Mever mind the tax write off, the mere gesture of reaching out to a veteran or just another fellow American in need is a grand humanitarian effort that just in itself often means more than any time or money that may be involved~! We all need to life our lives in the way that we ourselves would want to be treated ;-) Sincerely, Mike
Regarding help or assistance to Veterans, I will offer this: I communicate with Vets of various conflicts and wars, from all arould the world, daily. Every one has their own experiences, from living hand to mouth, to living very comfortably, just the same as most other non-vets. I believe the one commonality amoung Vietnam Vets, is that we share a very healthy dose of skepticism in our government, though most of us revere our Republic and sovereignty as sacred. I will never be comfortable with our "homecoming", but I do not resent Americans in-general for that experience. I find it interesting that many of our generation, those who participated in Vietnam Vet disparagement at various airports and terminals, are those who are, and have become career politicians, whom I personally view as parasites to America's betterment; creating problems where none previously existed, so long as said problems do not affect themselves or their family's aggrandizement. Most of us just want to live what is left of our lives without government over-reach and interference like, I dare-say, most American citizens who contribute to the GDP and taxes. I support my Brother and Sister Vets if they need help, it's what we do and who we are.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment my fellow American Patriot Timothy Weller~! Yes, your experience talking with other veterans and your analysis is in fact absolutely correct. My 50+ years of much of the same efforts are also consistent with your analysis BTW. Those unpleasant experiences that some Vietnam veterans were unfortunately "greeted" with at airports were definitely NOT widely shared by the vast majority of the general American public, so much like today the uneducated & misinformed, the crackpots and the mentally ill are always in the minority but they get much more attention from the clearly corrupt mainstream media (that has actually been proven to have always been controlled by the C.I.A.). I can tell you that I was less than happy about the way that the crazy fringe blamed the Vietnam veterans for the crimes of what most now call "The Swamp" or "The Deep State" (the infamous & notorious Military Industrial Complex that Eisenhower & JFK warned Americans about). Along with the assassination of JFK and that horrible long war in Vietnam my early life was dramatically adversely affected in ways that most could not possibly comprehend. About the time that the war in Vietnam ended I was well on my way heading for a Military career that at that time I had been working towards since I was about 9 years old. In fact, I was actually excelling in the local high school MC Jr. ROTC (Marine Corps) program and working hard for the offer of a congressional appointment to Annapolis, which I did eventually receive only to decline it because I had by then seen "The Beast" within the US government. That is an impasse for an American Constitutionalist, which I had been for about ten years by that time. My father was for a time on the team of men who wrote the history of the US I.C.B.M. program with the scientists as it unfolded (Military Intelligence) and as a young child I was part of a "cover story" while my father was on an extended mission for M.I. where we travelled to Washington DC, Iceland, much of Europe, and North Africa. Let's just say that not many children are as aware of the reality of their surroundings as was, so I saw and understood things even then that the vast majority of Americans are still absolutely clueless about even today. This is a double-edged sword to say the least, and I am sure that you, like many US veterans, can also appreciate what that is like as well. While in ROTC I felt exactly what the returning US veterans felt in those airports, but I experienced it every day for the better part of two years, and it directly affected my grades and numerous student relationships with many ill-informed students, teachers, administrators, and others... I was even living in a "Military town" in the US at that time, so I know and understand the insane "anti-military" mentality very well. Ha! Not only did I actively push back against that Ignorant ungrateful un-American garbage, but I definitely rebelled against it in every way that I possibly could ;-) As an American Constitutionalist I fully support and defend all Americans right to their own opinions, however I definitely have a "zero tolerance" towards anyone who takes physical actions against anyone in the US Military based upon their personal opinions (unless crimes are being committed of course). After graduating high school, early because I was tired of that weak brainwashing crappola, I went on to keep my oath as a Constitutionalist in the private sector where, as I am sure you know, the real battle continues to this day. Most Americans are starting to realize that the real threat has always been within our own government leadership from the federal level all the way down to the local levels and it was obviously NEVER the rank & file of the good folks serving in the Military... Our federal government leadership now is clearly very different, and I am extremely confident that "we" (Americans) will in due time appreciate that far better... Have a great & happy weekend and I hope that you make the best out of every day. You are without doubt living at an extraordinary time of history and I am confident that you will absolutely LOVE the way that this drama all turns out when the dust settles~! Thank you again for all of your efforts~! Very sincerely, Mike
I agree. When we know veterans need our help, assistance of any kind can make a HUGE difference. When we provide direct, personal help they truly feel seen and appreciated.
You have beautifully said just how great the personal contact between the average American & the Military service member can & should be (active or inactive ;-) With all of the negative things the military folks go through, the least "we" can do is to personally make sure that we reach out to show them that they are appreciated. In this mad rush of so many Americans to live life, too many miss the most important things. Most Americans have been lured into a great many traps where the "bait" is supposedly to save them time by taking endless short cuts, and today "we" are ALL paying a severe price for blindly trusting government, charities, and countless other businesses & "organizations" to do what "we" should always have been doing. Too many Americans have ignored their very special and well-defined duty that they have never fulfilled and often times they are completely ignorant of. In the case of "established charities" some few of them are absolutely wonderful and they do outstanding jobs for their cause. Unfortunately, ALL of the largest well-established charities are administrative nightmares where the charity itself has become a burning "black hole" of donations where the very purpose of the charity takes a FAR back seat to the corrupt administrative money gobbling structure~! In those cases, we should ask ourselves if the purpose of the charity is to actually solve the stated problem, or just an excuse to keep building the charity itself that thrives upon encouraging the problem to get bigger & bigger? For good example, America has an absolutely enormous octopus of a "medical system" that absolutely thrives upon the corruptions, and Americans have never been as unhealthy as they are today~! Where is the motivation for those in the medical system to help Americans become healthy? Today Americans are thankfully learning that the gigantic size and intrusive scope of our own government has gotten out of control over the decades, because there have been motivations NOT to solve problems, but rather to encourage, foster, and too many times actually create problems that never existed... "We" (Americans) have the same problem in numerous areas... So "we" (Americans) absolutely must use our charitable donations more efficiently by making sure that those funds go directly to those in need. The great advantage of that is not only having our donations go directly to those in need, but just as importantly it serves to build a stronger America (society & world) by the direct human contact itself as you have so well stated~! Yes, when we see someone in need it is right & incumbent upon us to help as "we" would want for ourselves and our loved ones if the shoe was on the other foot, however I hope & pray that "we" (Americans) will exceed that level of charity to reach out to the Military folks (and others) in a charitable way BEFORE they obviously need the Goodwill. Just buying an active or retired Military veteran who is sitting next to you in a coffee shop lunch would be an outstanding gesture~! I am just saying that "we" should not need to wait until someone is already suffering before we act kindly towards them and that should go for Military folks AND all folks who we encounter. What a wonderful America & world that would be ;-) Great comment my friend and do keep up the good work to make America (and the world) a better place~! Sincerely, Mike
It was a travisty the way our Vietnam war veterans were treated when they returned to the states after putting their lives on the line so we at home could continue living the dream in the greatest country on this great earth. It not only affected them but their families. I can remember watching the nightly news with Walter Cronkite as a child with my grandmother, waiting to see the body count and where the fighting was that day. Praying it wasn't where my uncle was stationed. God bless you all and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
-John 15:13
I can't modify the saying, but these are the words that speak to me about all service members who have passed.
In over 60 years of living , and having served, l'd never attended a formal Memorial Day celebration until I moved here. I don't know why it took me so long to recognize if we don't, in an outward manner, remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, then who will take up arms to defend us in the future if they're message is they too wlill simply be forgotten?
I can relate, MK, not having involved myself in the "celebrations". I worked every Memorial Day during my last career for 22 years, serving visitors and locals alike, working an essential position. Memorial Day evolved into lots of drinking and partying since the Greatest Generation passed the torch to Boomers; the essence had been lost until fairly recent times, when younger people have re-lit the flame of remembrance. It is refreshing to see.
Welcome Home Washingtonian Vietnam Veterans from a long time Kitsap County resident and faithful follower of Vietnam Veterans of America. We honor your service to our country and the Brave Repulic of Vietnam Faithful. We have dear friends and Countrymen we honor greatly in Sequim. God bless you for this Honor.
Nice article Jeff. I wonder how those veterans feel about our government officials "building and serving" an International government...I bet that would not go over well..
It was another lifetime, that I don't think much about; and possibly, that is what got me to this point. I spent most of 1972 off the coast of North Vietnam, serving our Republic as my Dad did prior, during WWII and the Korean Conflict; he didn't believe he was a hero either. My years at Port Angeles High School were spent having the best time of my life, at that point, knowing what lie ahead, being reminded every single day on the 6:00 News with Walter Cronkite. In all honesty, I am embarrassed when people thank me for my service, because for many it was a one way journey, who came home in a body bag. It's been over half a century ago, with a lot of life and living having transpired during the interim. I came back home. and tried to relate to the social circle I had known prior; I didn't fit any longer and began my new life that many of my Brothers and Sisters never got the opportunity to live. I was discharged two weeks before the Fall of Saigon. I celebrate life every day; good, challenging, or whatever prevails, "living is the chief cause of death". Thank you all for your sentiments.
You are humble and appreciated.
I heard from another service member whose response to the "thank you for your service" is, "You were worth it." I appreciate that perspective and have responded thusly when met with the same greeting.
Well said and appreciated MK
I do hear you, but realize I will never know how you really feel. You are one of so many voices expressing how much war has affected them. I just finished talking to a Vietnam Vet. His statement says it all. "I don't feel like I ever came home" PTSD
The U.S. changed so dramatically, from the perspective we left with, and on that of our return. I see much of the same over the past 2 decades, perspective is the key to a life of misery, or that of relative enjoyment; "The joy is in the ride."
We were required to wear our uniforms in order to fly commercial flights, so it was impossible to blend.
Your short hair would have been hard to hide among all the long hairs.
I am among the PTSD Group Treated at VA Hosp Seattle. Please believe me when I say Welcome Home. " I am You Are He is" 🇺🇸🕊🕊🇺🇸
John, my father's medevac flights never went away. My Mom told me he would shake in bed like he was still in a helicopter rescue mission. He, as so many, don't talk about their war experiences. Too painful to remember and too hard to explain.
I'm so sorry for your PTSD. I have a daughter (82nd Airborne) and son-in-law (Marine) who both have PTSD from combat service in Iraq (two different campaigns). I understand that it stays with you and I'm sorry for that. You have sacrificed much for our country. I hope you feel some sense of our appreciation for your dedicated protection of our country. Wishing you all the best.
For Jennifer and her Father...and her Family:
I'm glad you survived. You are a humble person to appreciate life every day. Best wishes.
I was in high school when my father was sent to Vietnam. He was a Col in the Marine Corps and had a "Huey" helicopter squadron who flew Medevac missions. He was awarded the Silver Star among other medals while in Vietnam. I don't think you will ever find a closer union forged between the "band of brothers" who fight in any war. It's something no one else can understand, but I would see the love they carried for each other at every reunion. When my father died, the Marines lined the street in front of our house, made a speech and gave him the Bugle Taps. He was later buried in Arlington Cemetery with a fly over in the missing man formation and the twenty one gun salute. I was never prouder of my father and all those that have served than on that day. I thank all you who served our country and in Vietnam!
I cannot imagine having my father leave during my high school years. A good reminder that it wasn't just our veterans who gave all, so did their families.
Thank you for sharing your tribute to your father. We need to hear more stories of fond memories and heroism of those who served.
Thank you for posting this, Jennifer. "Taps" still create a lump in my throat and a tear in my eyes, when played recently at one of my Brother's memorial.
Me too! Along with the Marine Corps Hymn.
Honoring your legacy left to you and yours Jennifer 🫡
I'm glad you were able to carry that honor through your life of your dad's sacrifices. Ceremonies are important in our lives and it sounds like your father's passing was properly honored. Best wishes.
Thank you for this notification and all of your effort for our community.
I'm happy to do this, you're welcome.
Thank You! It is wonderful to see recognition for the Viet Nam Veteran. As a Combat Infantry VNam I’m always aware of our freedom and its cost. It pains me dearly to see such disdain for our elected President. If the people voted for a leader we need to give him the chance to lead. In the service we learned to trust our leadership and fight for each and everyone of our brothers. Why do we have voting if we are not going to let our leaders lead. Wake up America we have the enemies in our troops. We don’t need any JANE FONDA’S!
Thank you for your service, John.
Amen. And thank you for your service sir!
Thank you for your dedication and service to our country. Best wishes.
John Cuny, you are recognized, what the combat Infantry saw and experienced from ground level is nothing we can smell, hear, taste or see, but I'm sure is imprinted in your brain. I hear all Veterans of Wars, speak about brothers and a brothership. It's a bond that most of us will never experience, but one that keeps entering into the words from veterans. No, we never needed Jane Fonda what was needed was an understanding of why there was a war. Many died not knowing why they died.
Thank you, Jeff, for showcasing our veterans. And thank you, Comm. Johnson for your dedication and commitment to helping our vets. Most of all, THANK YOU, VETERANS for your patriotism and service to our country. Because of your bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to service, we have our United States of America, the land of the free. I have many family members and close friends who have served in various branches and wars. God bless you and keep you all in His loving care. I am proud to be an American.
Well said.
Amen.
God bless all the men and women who served, and do serve, to protect this nation.
It’s a real shame how they were treated after surviving horrific attacks over and over… then they stepped off the plane to a bunch of college age dirty hippies with nothing better to do than protest and scream at them. And the government didn’t treat them any better… still hasn’t. Illegals get treated better. Law abiding citizens protest at the capitol, paid domestic terrorist lite cities on fire, riot kill innocent people and blow up cars when they want to make a difference. Sorry I went off topic. Thank you for putting your life on the line so I could live freely here
My husband also served in Vietnam in the Navy… much of the above comments are apart of his … he went on to serve LAPD for another 25 years… only to see the wasted beginning here at home…
Honor goes out to all of you who have given to our country your hearts, minds and bodies!
Thank you, Paula, and to your husband as well. LEs are a special breed, and have my eternal respect and appreciation.
I do greatly appreciate the efforts to reach out to all US Military veterans to thank them and to show appreciation for their efforts~! I also like any real government effort to extend a helping hand to US Military veterans and active service members of any age. However, due to the many obvious problems that the local governments leadership has caused, especially relating to mismanagement of public funds and issues of transparency, I strongly encourage good and generous Americans in the general public to directly help the folks who have served and who currently serve in the US Military where that help is maximized. That help can be as small as buying a veteran a cup of coffee or perhaps paying for a meal when you see a veteran in our community eating beside you in a restaurant. If you can, maybe buying a veteran a tank of gas or some groceries when you notice them as you go about your daily business? Does your elderly veteran neighbor need a little help mowing his/her lawn? If you see a veteran who is going through some difficult financial times by standing in line at the local food bank, maybe the generosity of offering them a little cash would be welcome... Instead of allowing ourselves to be completely distracted and divided by the criminals of humanity and their never-ending "fear porn" machine, it would go a long way to heal the wounds of the past to reach out personally to let the veterans know that you care and appreciate them for what they have gone through and endured~! In fact, this is an excellent time to look at ALL Americans as "survivors" of what has beyond any doubt been extraordinarily difficult times, so it would be best to personally reach out to anyone who is struggling, and our US veterans should always be on top of that list~! Mever mind the tax write off, the mere gesture of reaching out to a veteran or just another fellow American in need is a grand humanitarian effort that just in itself often means more than any time or money that may be involved~! We all need to life our lives in the way that we ourselves would want to be treated ;-) Sincerely, Mike
Regarding help or assistance to Veterans, I will offer this: I communicate with Vets of various conflicts and wars, from all arould the world, daily. Every one has their own experiences, from living hand to mouth, to living very comfortably, just the same as most other non-vets. I believe the one commonality amoung Vietnam Vets, is that we share a very healthy dose of skepticism in our government, though most of us revere our Republic and sovereignty as sacred. I will never be comfortable with our "homecoming", but I do not resent Americans in-general for that experience. I find it interesting that many of our generation, those who participated in Vietnam Vet disparagement at various airports and terminals, are those who are, and have become career politicians, whom I personally view as parasites to America's betterment; creating problems where none previously existed, so long as said problems do not affect themselves or their family's aggrandizement. Most of us just want to live what is left of our lives without government over-reach and interference like, I dare-say, most American citizens who contribute to the GDP and taxes. I support my Brother and Sister Vets if they need help, it's what we do and who we are.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful comment my fellow American Patriot Timothy Weller~! Yes, your experience talking with other veterans and your analysis is in fact absolutely correct. My 50+ years of much of the same efforts are also consistent with your analysis BTW. Those unpleasant experiences that some Vietnam veterans were unfortunately "greeted" with at airports were definitely NOT widely shared by the vast majority of the general American public, so much like today the uneducated & misinformed, the crackpots and the mentally ill are always in the minority but they get much more attention from the clearly corrupt mainstream media (that has actually been proven to have always been controlled by the C.I.A.). I can tell you that I was less than happy about the way that the crazy fringe blamed the Vietnam veterans for the crimes of what most now call "The Swamp" or "The Deep State" (the infamous & notorious Military Industrial Complex that Eisenhower & JFK warned Americans about). Along with the assassination of JFK and that horrible long war in Vietnam my early life was dramatically adversely affected in ways that most could not possibly comprehend. About the time that the war in Vietnam ended I was well on my way heading for a Military career that at that time I had been working towards since I was about 9 years old. In fact, I was actually excelling in the local high school MC Jr. ROTC (Marine Corps) program and working hard for the offer of a congressional appointment to Annapolis, which I did eventually receive only to decline it because I had by then seen "The Beast" within the US government. That is an impasse for an American Constitutionalist, which I had been for about ten years by that time. My father was for a time on the team of men who wrote the history of the US I.C.B.M. program with the scientists as it unfolded (Military Intelligence) and as a young child I was part of a "cover story" while my father was on an extended mission for M.I. where we travelled to Washington DC, Iceland, much of Europe, and North Africa. Let's just say that not many children are as aware of the reality of their surroundings as was, so I saw and understood things even then that the vast majority of Americans are still absolutely clueless about even today. This is a double-edged sword to say the least, and I am sure that you, like many US veterans, can also appreciate what that is like as well. While in ROTC I felt exactly what the returning US veterans felt in those airports, but I experienced it every day for the better part of two years, and it directly affected my grades and numerous student relationships with many ill-informed students, teachers, administrators, and others... I was even living in a "Military town" in the US at that time, so I know and understand the insane "anti-military" mentality very well. Ha! Not only did I actively push back against that Ignorant ungrateful un-American garbage, but I definitely rebelled against it in every way that I possibly could ;-) As an American Constitutionalist I fully support and defend all Americans right to their own opinions, however I definitely have a "zero tolerance" towards anyone who takes physical actions against anyone in the US Military based upon their personal opinions (unless crimes are being committed of course). After graduating high school, early because I was tired of that weak brainwashing crappola, I went on to keep my oath as a Constitutionalist in the private sector where, as I am sure you know, the real battle continues to this day. Most Americans are starting to realize that the real threat has always been within our own government leadership from the federal level all the way down to the local levels and it was obviously NEVER the rank & file of the good folks serving in the Military... Our federal government leadership now is clearly very different, and I am extremely confident that "we" (Americans) will in due time appreciate that far better... Have a great & happy weekend and I hope that you make the best out of every day. You are without doubt living at an extraordinary time of history and I am confident that you will absolutely LOVE the way that this drama all turns out when the dust settles~! Thank you again for all of your efforts~! Very sincerely, Mike
I agree. When we know veterans need our help, assistance of any kind can make a HUGE difference. When we provide direct, personal help they truly feel seen and appreciated.
Hello, my fellow Patriot Pamela Roberts~!
You have beautifully said just how great the personal contact between the average American & the Military service member can & should be (active or inactive ;-) With all of the negative things the military folks go through, the least "we" can do is to personally make sure that we reach out to show them that they are appreciated. In this mad rush of so many Americans to live life, too many miss the most important things. Most Americans have been lured into a great many traps where the "bait" is supposedly to save them time by taking endless short cuts, and today "we" are ALL paying a severe price for blindly trusting government, charities, and countless other businesses & "organizations" to do what "we" should always have been doing. Too many Americans have ignored their very special and well-defined duty that they have never fulfilled and often times they are completely ignorant of. In the case of "established charities" some few of them are absolutely wonderful and they do outstanding jobs for their cause. Unfortunately, ALL of the largest well-established charities are administrative nightmares where the charity itself has become a burning "black hole" of donations where the very purpose of the charity takes a FAR back seat to the corrupt administrative money gobbling structure~! In those cases, we should ask ourselves if the purpose of the charity is to actually solve the stated problem, or just an excuse to keep building the charity itself that thrives upon encouraging the problem to get bigger & bigger? For good example, America has an absolutely enormous octopus of a "medical system" that absolutely thrives upon the corruptions, and Americans have never been as unhealthy as they are today~! Where is the motivation for those in the medical system to help Americans become healthy? Today Americans are thankfully learning that the gigantic size and intrusive scope of our own government has gotten out of control over the decades, because there have been motivations NOT to solve problems, but rather to encourage, foster, and too many times actually create problems that never existed... "We" (Americans) have the same problem in numerous areas... So "we" (Americans) absolutely must use our charitable donations more efficiently by making sure that those funds go directly to those in need. The great advantage of that is not only having our donations go directly to those in need, but just as importantly it serves to build a stronger America (society & world) by the direct human contact itself as you have so well stated~! Yes, when we see someone in need it is right & incumbent upon us to help as "we" would want for ourselves and our loved ones if the shoe was on the other foot, however I hope & pray that "we" (Americans) will exceed that level of charity to reach out to the Military folks (and others) in a charitable way BEFORE they obviously need the Goodwill. Just buying an active or retired Military veteran who is sitting next to you in a coffee shop lunch would be an outstanding gesture~! I am just saying that "we" should not need to wait until someone is already suffering before we act kindly towards them and that should go for Military folks AND all folks who we encounter. What a wonderful America & world that would be ;-) Great comment my friend and do keep up the good work to make America (and the world) a better place~! Sincerely, Mike
I hope to see many of you Saturday. Freedom isn't free.
On my calendar.
Awesome!
It was a travisty the way our Vietnam war veterans were treated when they returned to the states after putting their lives on the line so we at home could continue living the dream in the greatest country on this great earth. It not only affected them but their families. I can remember watching the nightly news with Walter Cronkite as a child with my grandmother, waiting to see the body count and where the fighting was that day. Praying it wasn't where my uncle was stationed. God bless you all and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
Thanks for this. I will be one that will attend. Way past due. Too many of our young men lost in this horrible war.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
-John 15:13
I can't modify the saying, but these are the words that speak to me about all service members who have passed.
In over 60 years of living , and having served, l'd never attended a formal Memorial Day celebration until I moved here. I don't know why it took me so long to recognize if we don't, in an outward manner, remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, then who will take up arms to defend us in the future if they're message is they too wlill simply be forgotten?
I now go every year.
I can relate, MK, not having involved myself in the "celebrations". I worked every Memorial Day during my last career for 22 years, serving visitors and locals alike, working an essential position. Memorial Day evolved into lots of drinking and partying since the Greatest Generation passed the torch to Boomers; the essence had been lost until fairly recent times, when younger people have re-lit the flame of remembrance. It is refreshing to see.
Welcome Home Washingtonian Vietnam Veterans from a long time Kitsap County resident and faithful follower of Vietnam Veterans of America. We honor your service to our country and the Brave Repulic of Vietnam Faithful. We have dear friends and Countrymen we honor greatly in Sequim. God bless you for this Honor.
Nice article Jeff. I wonder how those veterans feel about our government officials "building and serving" an International government...I bet that would not go over well..
Great point.