When I was a small boy, around the age of 8 or 9, I had my first glimpse at the heinous nature of war. We were popping firecrackers at our house, (we lived out of the city and it was close to the fourth of July), and my brother and sisters were gathered in the front yard talking- amongst them was a young man recently returned from Viet Nam, who served with the Marines. I, being the consummate little brother, wanted to scare the hip, young crowd. I hid about 20 feet away, lit a firecracker, and threw it so that it would land several feet in front of the pre-disco host. The Marine, in a split-second reaction, dropped to the ground in a prone position. I stayed back for fear that I was in some kind of trouble, having wounded a representative of the United States Military, but he soon rose up; explaining the action as training, and too much experience in the field. I was made to apologize, but he was not angry. I remember seeing the indignity on his face, but we all understood.
Years later, when I was a teenager, I met someone who, being a friend of my parents, had come to our house to visit for a few days. He, too, was a veteran of the conflict in Viet Nam . He had brought a small, wooden, obviously handcrafted box that was lined with padded velvet. In it were 2 Purple Heart medals, each resting in recesses made specifically for them. Unceremoniously, latently, below and between George Washington, sat a Bronze Star; its ribbon furled and almost knotted. He closed the box as if to tell me that that was all he would reveal of himself, and it had to be enough- and it was. The gentleman never would talk a lot about things concerning his own life, but was vastly interested in others. Looking back it seems he was trying to heal himself from the unseen wound, a wound that one did not receive acknowledgment of, but was much deeper and infinitely more difficult to repair.
One night we were startled by his running outside, screaming that the "sky is on fire!" What he had seen was a flare tower from a refinery several miles away reflected in the lowering clouds of an approaching storm. We brought him back inside, after a great deal of comforting and assuring, and chatted. I'm not sure if he realized that the sky was not on fire, or if he was simply taking our word for it, or maybe he felt it best to go along with us for now- like a POW secretly planning an escape and not wanting to let on. I wondered if he had ever been captured, but knew better than to ask. He had been through hell- literally and figuratively, and I did not want to aggravate his wounds, or cause him any grief whatsoever. I want to honor him.
Memorial Day is meant pay respects to those who have died in the service of their country, no greater sacrifice is possible So many have not come home, so many lives cut short; and for what- so I can complain about going to work or lament on the unfairness of life? At times I feel ashamed and humbled, thinking of these individuals. Their willingness to forgo comfort and safety to ensure freedom cannot be equaled by even the most pompous and arrogant politician. We cannot do enough for the memories of these citizens, or their families.
» left by JL from US (1 year 236 days ago.)
Thanks for telling your experiences. I don't think any of us civilians can comprehend what a soldier in combat goes through. I applaud all of them. Respond to this comment
» left by Avis Ward(11,479) Avis Ward (1 year 231 days ago.)
"So many have not come home, so many lives cut short; and for what- so I can complain about going to work or lament on the unfairness of life?" I am thankful.
Masterful storytelling. Profound truths! I, too applaud you for this article, Ken. I also salute the men women of our armed forces, their families and the memory of those who are no longer with us. I remember. Respond to this comment
» left by Kay Elizabeth(1,715) Kay Elizabeth (1 year 229 days ago.)
Very well told piece there, Ken, excellent. I can't imagine what it must be like to go through a war, but you gave us an insight into the after-effects suffered. Thanks for sharing that. Respond to this comment
» left by Judi Lake(2,387) Judi Lake (1 year 228 days ago.)
Thanks Ken for sharing and bringing us back to what it's all about. Reading your article brought me back to when I was little and the older boys from the neighborhood came back from Nam, they were never the same; they changed. So young to see so much. Great article, thanks again! Respond to this comment
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