For example, it was nearly 25 years after my return before even one person "thanked me for my service", not that I really needed it for I was proud even though most American's really didn't want me to be.
Today every soldier I see I personally walk up and thank him for his/her service. The response is profound gratitude that I would take the time to thank them and I really enjoy doing so.
Both sides of the coin back in those days really wished we would disappear into the wood work, and I sincerely believe deep down in side it was motivated by shame. And to be honest most of us did just that ... "slipped into darkness".
Hopefully, America has grown up a bit and won't let it happen again to this current crop of heroes selflessly serving. But I wonder.
Thanks for your response.
I truly believe that your service and the injustice that was committed upon your return is being undone each and every day. John Kerry, without knowing it, provided the catalyst for my generation to re-examine the Vietnam era - and examine it in terms of today's war and today's heroes.
One thing I've learned in my 33 years is that liberal lies and media spin cannot stand the test of historical context. As evidence, I point to the fact that the anti-war activits of today CANNOT disparage the troops. The public will not tolerate it. They have to stick to Bush. It was your sacrifice and your dishonor that led to the inability to dishonor the troops of today. And the "silent" majority from your era, is now repenting for the sins of their past by supporting the troops and their mission publicly and overwhelmingly.
You were dishonored by screaming leftists and silent conservatives, but this pain has lead directly to our ability to fight the war on terror - the man upstairs has a strange way of working.