They carried the weight of the world.
And sadly, so many still carry a heavy burden. Memories that haunt them. I have a dear friend who was a medic in the late 60's in Vietnam and for years never shared his pain with anyone. One night, we watched "Apocolypse Now" on tv together and he was crying at the end of the movie. He said it brought back so many memories and he told me a few. After that, he would occassionally tell me more.
One night he gave me a big hug and thanked me for "suffering through" his ramblings. I was shocked. I told him I'd suffered nothing, that he was more than welcome to unburden himself any time. He thanked me and said he'd never told anyone the things he'd told me. He said it had helped him so much emotionally, it was like a purging of demons.
I only hope that if there are any Vietnam Vets reading this who have never shared their painful memories with anyone, purged those demons, they'll do so soon. Don't carry that weight alone and let it eat you like a cancer. There are others who will gladly do what they can to lighten your load, share your pain even if maybe we didn't actually experience it first hand.
Sorry I rambled but this has been a painful issue with me for a long time. I've been disgusted by the treatment our Vietnam vets suffered after they came back. That so many still feel no one cares breaks my heart. I care and always have. I know I'm not the only one.
Thank you for answering the call to duty and "Welcome home".
