50,000 Names on the Wall

My Uncle Bud, who fought in the Vietnam War sent this link to me and I felt obliged to share it with you.  I was born toward the end of the Vietnam War, but have read many books on this era in American Military history as well as watched many documentaries on the war.

War War I and II saw a Nation behind their Fathers, Husbands, and Sons; The Korean War was all but forgotten by many in our nation, and the Vietnam War was a smear on this country in the way that our OWN treated those who served.  To watch some of the disgusting scenes that took place as OUR Soldiers came home from this terrible war is still heart-wrenching to me.

I recall in 1991 when I returned from my eight month vacation in the Deserts of Saudi and Iraq.  The massive crowds at EVERY location were amazing, but I could not get over, even then, being a bit upset at the thought that THIS type of welcome SHOULD have been given to those who fought and served OUR COUNTRY during the Vietnam war.  I recall getting off the plane in Houston - there was my mother surrounded by members of the local VFW - many of whom were Veterans of the Vietnam war and they were there to THANK ME!  It truly brought a tear to my eye as one Hero embraced me and said 'Thank you'.  I stepped back, wiped a tear from my eye, composed myself for a second.  Then, I sharply went to the position of attention and rendered my best hand salute to ALL of them and thanked THEM for who I was and allowing me to be free.

I say all this to say - Let's not repeat this era of our past with our HEROES who are in harm's way even as I type this.  NO MATTER your thoughts on our government's policies - DO NOT take out your frustrations on those who are fighting and sadly dying so that you have the RIGHT to protest.  Remember, they are NOT the policy makers - they ARE someone you know - perhaps your Son, your Father, your Daughter, your Mother.

Next time you pass an old Soldier - take the time to thank them as well.

Please take time to view the below link.

God's Speed to our Soldiers and our Country!

http://home.comcast.net/~singingman7/TNOTW.htm