AC119 gunship that I flew on.
Posted on 11/11/2005 6:01:16 AM PST by kellynla
The Vietnam War cost my generation the innocence of our youth. The question whether to serve or not was hotly contested. When I see protesters adding to the distress of today's soldiers, I again feel the sting of rejection I felt years ago for my military service.
We came home with little notice and tried to regain our lives – some failed to make the transition, others persevered with support and love. The sorrow of loss still lingers. It took us years to learn that our service was just as honorable as my father's generation, who as the Class of '45 came home with great tribute and fanfare.
Soldiers do not make policy. As soldiers, we go where we are told in service to our country. In recent years, America has largely embraced those who have chosen military service. There are always protesters but an overwhelming majority of Americans appreciate and are thankful for the service of those in uniform. This is especially true since Sept. 11, 2001.
Anti-war activists say they support our servicemen and women, but their actions demonstrate that they have no respect for the service or sacrifice of our military personnel. Those camped outside Walter Reed Army Hospital on Friday nights array themselves at the main entrance in sight of the wounded warriors and their families coming to visit. Mock coffins and picket signs with slogans like "Maimed for a Lie" are disrespectful, mean-spirited and misguided – some call it "distasteful."
None of these characterizations is sufficient to express my disdain. They have made their opposition to the war rabidly personal. Their protestations to the contrary, their vitriolic anti-war sentiments have spilled over on the wounded. This mindless fury abrases family and friends of our military personnel and contaminates the rest of us with its bitterness.
(Excerpt) Read more at signonsandiego.com ...
Thanks for this post and Happy Veteran's Day Kelley!
May God's blessing be with all those who have sacrificed their lives and limbs for America.
It won't be a "happy" day but it will be a memorial day.
God bless our brothers and sisters in war.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
You're right of course.....Lots of memories and tears today.
And Never Forget!
Thank you and all AF, I and many other Marines would not be here today if not for you.
Semper Fi,
Kelly
AC119 gunship that I flew on.
The AC119 flew missions at night to detect Charlie's movements. The "Shadow" carried four miniguns.
Here's the four miniguns.
"May God Bless all our Veterans and their families; especially those who have paid the ultimate price for freedom."
I couldn't say that any better Kelly. Happy Veterans Day and I send my Best along to you and all of yours.
A prayer for my veteran father at his funeral & all who served our country:
I Am Free
Do not grieve for me, for now I am free,
I am following the path God laid for me,
I took his hand when I heard him call,
I turned my back, and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play,
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with our memories of joy,
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
My life has been full; I have savored much,
Good Friends, good times, a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Do not lengthen it now with undue grief,
Lift up your hearts and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
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