He was drafted to serve in Vietnam, 1966 - 1968.
He was not killed. Thank God. He served honorably and effectively, and returned home.
But he returned home changed.
Everyone who knew him before said so.
My dad is a good man, an honorable man. A man with a sense of humor and a zest for life.
But there is a sadness, too.
Every war story my dad tells is littered with, "He got killed." Every name, but one, that my dad has ever mentioned to me is followed with, "He got killed." "I liked that guy. We laughed so hard . . . but he got killed."
My dad witnessed a foxhole conversion and became the godfather to a man his age. His is the only name that is not followed by, "he got killed."
My dad came home. He fell in love, got married, and raised a family.
But I know he still carries the memories and the sadness.
The losses we remember on Memorial Day should include the loss of innocence and the loss of peace for these survivors.
My prayers and my thanks.
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18 comments:
My heart goes out to all who served in that war. So long, they have been forgotten. And worse.
All gave some... Some gave all...
May you have a peaceful Memorial Day!
Gentle hugs...
My dad was the same - saw & did things no young man should...& never got post traumatic stress councelling like todays' soldiers.
They give so much
My dad was the same - saw & did things no young man should...& never got post traumatic stress councelling like todays' soldiers.
They give so much
I live very close to an Air Force base...we celebrate here in a big way!Thanks for sharing...xoxoxo
I will never forget the men and women who served America in the Vietnam War. It is a sadness I carry with me constantly and I will never tire of talking about them and all they stood for.
Thank you for your heartfelt post. My hat is off to your father and all the others who served with him. Blessings to you and yours! Anne
This is really a wonderful post about your dad's service to us. It was such a hard time for those who served there. I hope we never forget what they gave up.
Hugs to you sweetie
I feel the same way about my Dad. He is a WWII veteran with a Purple Heart. When I was a kid, watching war movies on tv, I used to ask him about the war, but he never wanted to talk about it. He never glorified war, he saw terrible things - he was 18 when he enlisted.
I respected that about him. Still do.
xo
Claudia
My father, too. A kid left from Brooklyn -- I don't think he had been more than 50 miles from home before he left -- and came home after seeing some of the worst sights that can be imagined. My thanks and prayers for all who served and continue to serve. Thanks for your prayers for Jonathan.
My father served in the Korean Conflict. He never has spoken of it with me. He's talked to my brothers about it, they've said, "You really don't want to know." He came home and started his family. I always wonder.
So beautifully put, my sweet friend. My Mr. Dept911 served in VN also ... God bless all who survived & those we lost.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
I agree. Most of us cannot even imagine what they have gone through. Your dad deserves much appreciation and respect for what gave and for what he has carried all these years.
This is beautiful and sad. And your playlist is so perfect.
Happy Memorial Day!
Hugs on this day of memory for so many.
I'm crying again! I have spent the day battling tears. I couldn't agree with you more. I have been asked by the Honor Guard at the USO to accompany them next time a soldier dies. I'm not sure I can do it.
Beautiful, heartfelt, words, Renee, to honor your dad and all the those who are only remembered on this day. Thank you.
My husband served 3 tours in VN; the first tour when he was only 18. Now, at the age of 61, as he is slowing down, the memories of VN that he has tried so hard to forget, the memories that he ran from for 40 years, have caught up with him. He has bad days; dark days but he is alive and thankful for the freedom we have in America.
Rose
Beautifully said, a great tribute to your dad and all who have served and paid prices the rest of us will never fully understand.
Dear Renee,
You are so very right in saying that we should remember not only those who lost their lies but also those who served because no matter what war they served in, it has changed them in one way or another at different degrees.
I am sorry your blog/email was spammed.
Wishing you al the very best,
Egmont
a nice post there
x
Sweetie ~ I need you email so I can write you about our getting together for lunch with Kelly on Tues or Fri.
Hugs, Me
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