It's almost upon us. A time to open the pool, have a big picnic and start the summer. That's the fun part. Here's the reality. A Fifty years ago (1969) I return from Viet Nam and marched with my Dad (WW2 Vet) in the Memorial Day Parade. I was lucky. I came home with all my fingers and toes, and no PTSD. Memorial day is not about guys like me, that's what Veterans day is about. Memorial day is about guys like the Krebs Brothers, and all those that gave it all. Welcome home John. http://trendingfortoday.com/news/Ko...-next-to-twin-brother-who-died-in-same-battle
Fred, An excellent post. I am so fortunate to know a bunch of Veterans that made it home safely. My Dad WWII, my brother in-law Iraq twice and Somalia, his Dad Korean War, 3 friends Vietnam. (YOU included) I was going to say I am lucky, but I guess you all are lucky to be here with family and friends!!! Those OUR country lost are the memorialized! Thank you men and women for this GREAT country and our freedoms!!! And I hope your Memorial Weekend is GREAT!!! Love you buddy!!! John
Ya know Fred, as much respect as I have for Vets (and it's a considerable amount)... it rubs me the wrong way every Memorial Day weekend when the unknowing masses jump out on Facebook and start thanking Vets for their service. While it's never a bad time to thank Vets for their service, I feel the need to point out to the dolts every year that Memorial Day is to remember the Nation's War Dead, period. My brother-in-law was in Viet Nam, like you were, and he lost some of his buddies while he was there. One was named Grays, and he was killed right across the road from him. I thank my brother-in-law for his service several times a year, especially on Veterans Day, but on Monday I will tell him once again that I'm sorry for the loss of his friend, PFC Grays.
I wrote this for that very reason. I think it's great people now thank us Vets. BUT Memorial day is to remember those we lost.
Here is to all the Vets. My father was a Vietnam vet. Came home ok but was one of the many suicides that add to the real casualty numbers of wars. A real tragedy.
Excellent post Fred. My brother Frank was in Korea in 1950. Sadly he does have PTSD and is now in a "soldier's home" that I believe is for combat veterans only.
God bless our Veterans. God bless those who have passed. I always thank Veterans. My dad fought in Korea and passed young in late 70s. From what I have also figured out he had ptsd from the bad times he fought in Korea 1951. Was a saint to us and for many people he got to help around him. I saw his name in VFW hall in my town. I had never been inside. It was my first time w a friends family of veterans. Support those who support Veterans VFW American Legion USO etc..
I am so very sorry to hear this. God bless your dads soul. I hope you and your family are strong over this tragedy. They say time heals wounds. I think we mature and deal with things better. Took a long time for me about my dads cancer.
