September 25, 2012
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“Thank you for your service to your country.”…..better than a damn medal!
SIMPLE WORDS1970.….that’s four decades ago! Most of my friends on here are in their 4th and 5th decade of life and those beyond that have given up math. A few of the wiser ones are now into their sixties and of course a few of my special friends here have their age measured using a Biblical format. Back to 1970.….that was the year I returned home from the military. I had left all the confusion, pain, fear, anguish, political drama and sadness of Vietnam and returned home to a country that had more important issues and events to contend with, than with the homecoming of a confused vet.
The newest band was the ‘Who’ and the ‘Beatles’ had just disbanded. President Nixon had just signed the ‘Public Health Act’ which banned all cigarette ads on TV. It was hard to believe that the actor, Ronald Reagan, was reelected Governor of California. Some students were killed at a small college called Kent State and it was the first year of some nonsense called the New York City Marathon. Women were getting out of hand with equality marches and boycotts for equal pay!! There was a lot going on then that held the attention and interest of the American people and just one more returning vet from an unpopular war meant very little…..it was okay, I didn’t really expect anything.
The years passed and I grew old and wise in the ways of the world, or that small piece which was allocated to my observance. I learned that folks use people symbolically to reflect their discuss, anger, shame and pride. In 1970, when I returned home from the service, I represented a malicious and unfair government and I was simply a tool of their war machine. Pretty cold stuff to hang on a 21 year old, huh? Now, after many years and a few more wars, our men and women represent something more substantial and worthy. The Gulf War of 1991 elevated every member of the armed forces to hero status. Iraq, even with all the misplaced political maneuvers, did not tarnish the respect and admiration we all felt for the men and women who served in harm’s way. Afghanistan made us all stand in the presences of returning veterans and applaud with teary eyes.
How often have you heard it now said, “Thank you for your service to your country.” Simple words that totally speak from the heart when emotions prevent us from saying so much more. “Thank you for your service to your country.” To hear those sincere words spoken by friend or stranger alike truly makes any veteran proud for what he or she has done. Only in the last few years have I heard that appreciation directed towards me for my service in Vietnam. I waited a long time for it, but it was worth it.
I heard those words again last Memorial Day when I posted a memorial blog and mentioned my time in the military. “Thank you for your service to your country.” These kind comments were left by some of my friends on ‘Xanga’. Now you all know what this site means to me.
Charlie
Comments (7)
1970 was the year I moved to Honolulu — I lived there for the next 5 years. There was a lot going on in Viet Nam and Cambodia still during those years, and we could always tell about a week before any major offensive that something was about to happen! Many young men travelled through Honolulu during those years; many came home, but others did not. We owe a lot to the men and women who served in the far east at that time — thank you!
From my husband TD to you, “Welcome home Brother.”
TD is full service connected disabled Nam Vet-two tours.
@Grannys_Place - Heart felt thanks.
Having had a husband who did two tours in Nam and returned a changed man, I still appreciate ALL his efforts and those brothers that stood shoulder to shoulder with him. Some of them didn’t come home. Those that did were changed forever.
“Thank you for your service” and that is truly heartfelt!!!
Thank you for serving, for your wisdom and wit, for your friendship here, and most of all, for the big heart you display in all your writings. ~quiet salute~ Glad you made it home, sir!
@JadeMaster2 - That was a special comment, thank you.
@MzSilver - Thank you dear friend.