When I came back to the States about 30 years ago I moved to a small town in upstate NY. I left in the first place because felt that I didn’t fit in any longer. The media has told the American people that the story about vets being spit upon is a myth. Well, I’m at least one who knows that’s not true. When the event was over I went before a Justice of the Peace (I had been arrested), and the fellow who spit in my face went to the hospital (when I got over the shock and went for him, he was actually “giving his speech”). I was LIVID! The JP heard the whole story and dismissed the case as self defense. After a few more years I just left...Very bitter, very angry.
Came back married with kids, and settled in that small town I mentioned. Joined the local volunteer fire dept, and rode a firetruck in my first Memorial Day Parade. I was stunned. I just drank it all in. Brought tears to my eyes that had nothing to do with remembering anyone. It had to do with what I was seeing right before me.
AMERICA! SMALL TOWN AMERICA! THE TRUE HEARTLAND! I HAD NEVER SEEN IT BEFORE! THIS WAS AMERICA! PROUD PATRIOTS. PEOPLE WHO KNEW EACH OTHER! HELPED EACH OTHER! CELEBRATED MEMORIAL DAY, THE FOURTH OF JULY, TAUGHT THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THEIR KIDS!GOOD FOLKS LIKE YOU, AND SO MANY OTHERS HERE AT FR, AND THE CANTEEN SPECIFICALLY...SO AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS AFTER THE WAR I FELT LIKE I FINALLY CAME HOME.
SO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, YOU, KATHY, LUVIE, ALL HERE, FOR ALL WHO SERVE, IN EVERY CAPACITY, PAST AND PRESENT.
G-D BLESS YOU ALL!
KEEP THE FAITH.
I don’t think anyone believed the enemedia’s lies that it was a myth. They knew that was going on. It hurts to know you were one of those on the receiving end of that vile behavior. I admit I’m smiling right now knowing that jerk wound up in the hospital. Good for the JP for being a sensible man and making the right call on it.
It sounds like moving back to that small town was the right move to make. Nothing like Small Town, America. I moved away from here when I turned 18 and said I’d never come back. After 23 years of living in large cities, I wound up back here and now you couldn’t drag me away.
We don’t have a Memorial Day parade but they have a very nice ceremony each year.
Different groups do a lot of things to help our veterans when they have needs. Our vets are important to us, as they should be EVERYwhere.
It sounds like you found a nice town to call Home.
You’re more than welcome. My small part is nothing compared to those of you who have served or are serving now. It an honor and pleasure to do what I can.
And I thank you.