My View

I’ve been searching for Marines that I served with in Vietnam since I got this computer, June 2001.  I have found many sites that have Vets expressing their feelings about the treatment we received by our Country and the people who protested against Vietnam by way of ridiculing and condemning our patriotism.  The following are my views on the experience.

First, WELCOME HOME VETERANS, as always you did your job.

To the Marine Corps:

Thank you for accepting me, making me strong and for teaching me to overcome fear, adapt to the situation and to improvise, and for giving me Honor, Courage, Commitment, Dedication and Pride.  I belong to a brotherhood that is Always Faithful.  I am Proud to have served as a United States Marine!   Semper Fidelis Marines !

To the hippies and the flower children:  While you were basking in the glory of youth and Freedom.  Young Americans were fighting and dying in a place that only true patriots would go.  While you were dancing, singing and playing, Patriots were Walking in the jungle, asking for fire support and killing and dieing.  When you kicked back and relaxed after a day of partying and reveling in your condemnation of the veterans and those still serving, what did you think about yourself?  Were you afraid that you might be asked to serve our Country?  Were you happy that someone else was taking care of your right to be free?   When you called vets baby killers, did that make you feel good?

I have never condemned your fear or your right to protest, but I do condemn your lack of respect for those that fought and died for our Country.   You people are older now and I hope you appreciate the Freedom that veterans have secured.  I haven’t forgot what the veterans have done for the Country and I haven’t forgot what you have done against the Vets.  You people have slithered off into your peaceful lives and have been able to avoid criticism for much of your actions.  Now if you speak of your affiliation with those that condemned the veterans, patriots will chastise you.  Now you can live the rest of your life and feel the shame you deserve.  You too can stay in the seclusion as many Vets have done since they came back.   Finally I want you to know that when I am asked “Were you in Vietnam”, I now can say yes, without fear of retaliation.  What do you say when you are asked If you served?

To the Viet Cong and Charlie:

I respect your tenacity, patriotism and bravery.  You proved to be a formidable foe.  America came to your country uninvited and tried to infringe on your right to your choice of government.  Your Country is small and your people were simple.  I hope in the future you will remember the War and know too, that we Americans are committed to Freedom.  Choose your friends wisely!   Your future may depend on it!

To the Vietnamese People:

There is no way that amends can be made to you people and what you went through because of the bureaucracies of the world.  You were caught up in a slaughter of life that was second only to WW II.  I saw your simple contented way of life subjected to horror.  I saw the fear and grief in your eyes and the tears you shed for the loss of your loved ones.  It breaks my heart every time I think of the pain you suffered. And when I do my eyes are filled with tears.  I am so very sorry!

Site Creation by: Willie Terrian