Memorial Day...A thought, My thoughts, and my Brother at the Moving Wall...

[catnhatnh]

Memorial-a time to consider people and things lost. 364 other days a year are perfectly suited to disparage national policies and militarism. All those other days I'll join you in the well deserved criticism. To do so today is cheap bullshit.

I did my time and avoided combat. I have no voice for how combat vets feel other than a few I met stateside, a few of whom were killed on later tours. Mostly today, I do think on those few personal acquaintances and the legacy left to those maimed in either body or mind from engaging in combat in all their wars. You've seen it or you haven't. I have not and remain mute. To speak of it in mocking tones or as to denigrate the experience is shameful. Whether drafted or volunteered, not a one knew what they were about to see.

My brother (B co 2nd of the 506th 1970-1971) worked this weekend at the moving wall, which was sited in Ossippee NH...he said he found it much like any Legion Hall or VFW....a passel with slightly off stories and a couple combat vets. He found his people...he found the names of the people he replaced (B co had been at Hamburger Hill and he was a replacement for that)...he said it was even stranger to read the names he helped replace...

He came home April 1st,1971...I was home when he walked through the door. I was so happy to have my brother home it took weeks to realize how much he'd changed. He grilled steaks and burgers for the family today. It was a nice day. But I wish his 1970 and 1971 hadn't happened.

Blessings tonight to all our DU combat Vets...you know who you are. Your knowledge is horrible and your experience is irreplaceable and you bring to the board the reality of war. And I hope your day was as nice as mine...