HOGpreacher

Well, its a new year and the Dems are in control of Congress. This doesn't really bother me as I am not Republican. I just remember that the economic deterioration and higher taxes under Democrats control. I am also aware that it was the Dems that got us into and escalated the Vietnam Conflict fiasco. The future for the war against terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq and possible other locales doesn't look favorable with them back in control. That's not saying the Republicans handled things well either.

However, it will be another Vietnam in Iraq with the Dems in power. They are already calling for a military draft with plans to blame the Republicans for it. . . . just like in the 60's.

With that said; Screw the politicians and support the men and women in military. They are doing the job they chose and was handed them. Do not blame, chastise, ridicule or eviscerate them. As a whole these men and women are about Honor, Duty and Loyalty. I cannot say the same about our National Government.



I always wanted to be in the military. It probably would have been the death of me. During the Vietnam Conflict (politically correct) I was called in the draft, rejected by the army. I then at age 19 tried to enlist in the Navy (like my brother) but was rejected. Twice, while in seminary, again I attempted to enlist in both the Navy and the Air Force and, again, both times rejected for medical reasons. None the less, my heart is with veterans of all wars and primarily with Vietnam Vets.

It is with honor, as a civilian, I salute what the Veterans of Vietnam did at the insistence of our Country and forcing American citizens the lesson of humility, honor, duty and service.

Some of my closest friends are Viet Vets. I attended college with a number of returning vets. In those days when the war was unpopular with the uneducated citizens of America and cowardice of border jumpers I witnessed ignorant verbiage (garbage) being hurled at returning service men. I am not here to defend or disagree with our participation in that horrific war.

I grew up with the evening news and the body counts, the number of sorties, pictures of flag draped coffins and sobbing families. I witnessed the riots on TV for racial injustices taking place, sit-ins protesting the war and insults and demeaning criticism towards vets. I remember Kent State and similar campus tragedies across the country. I remember Veterans of Vietnam taking the brunt of abuses by a nation built on honor being dishonored.

For years after the conflict the Vietnam War was blamed for the problems with society. If a vet perpetrated a crime, Vietnam was to blame. If a vet was homeless, drug or alcohol addicted, Vietnam was to blame. If America was seen as weak, Vietnam was to blame. America failed the Vets of Vietnam. The Vets of Vietnam served, maybe not voluntarily but they served, with honor and duty for America.

It was after years of blame that Vietnam Vets finally got the proper recognition they deserved. People finally came out of the cloud victimising vets to recognizing the reason, the loss, the pain of their sacrifice and embarrassing behavior of the American people toward them. A memorial was erected, Vets were elected to congress, local offices, large corporations and small business America. The War was no longer an embarrassment to the service men but a shame on the American people.

This has resulted in true Americans recognizing the service and sacrifice or our service men and women today. I have seen true Americans stand in the presence of a soldier, shake the hand of a Marine, stand and applaud Navy Seamen and Air Force personnel when entering an auditorium or walking of a plane. Today the respect for military personnel by the American people is a direct response to the shameful disrespect shown to Vietnam Vets upon their return home.

http://www.herosalute.com/states/big_game_ad_WMhi.html

Thank you Veterans of Vietnam. Whether or not you wanted to be there, you did. You did what your country asked of you and they ridiculed you at the time. It was your service and your country's disservice that has made men and women following in your footsteps more appreciated. More appreciated for the difficult work facing unbelievable situations where unthinkable results were/ are taken to preserve life, liberty and justice.

Here is a link showing support of American troops.
http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/press_mat.html
Thank you to the men and women who served in Vietnam. Thank you to the men and women who serve the U.S. of A. around the world today.

~Webb~