[MistyCA]

Wouldn't it be nice to think that the wounds of war that are carried in someone's soul will be settled in their own lifetime? I have my doubts. I see my uncle's struggle almost on a daily basis as he talks about WW2, the loss of friends, the dismemberment of people he knew and many others he didn't know, the cold that it doesn't take much effort to recall vividly, the wet, storming the beaches with no supplies because they were all lost in the destruction. Yes, at 83 I see the struggle to make peace with all of that. And I see the same struggle in those who went to Vietnam....all wanting to settle what lurks within their soul sometime within their own lifetime. Wouldn't that be nice.

[Light Speed]

In someways...the internet has helped untold numbers of vets find lost friends..and contact points to memories.
I would not venture to make a comment regarding thier view of government...but this is true...they have found healing amongst each other.
I would like to think that we here at Free Republic join with them in that healing process...
An outstretched hand and a smile is a good beginning.

[HiJinx]

My Father-in-Law, a WWII vet, went through the same struggle, but he never let anyone else help him. All he would ever say was that he was an ambulance driver, he was promoted to PFC so many times he lost count, and that was it. Any questions beyond that were met with an icy stare and silence.

Whatever demons possessed him remained until the day he died. What a tragedy...