“As Christ’s soldier, don’t let yourself become tied up in worldly affairs." ~ 2 Timothy 2:4
Some
volunteered, others were drafted - ineligible for a student deferment because
they’d never been to college. Terry
didn’t question the draft or the Vietnam conflict. His grandfather and Dad had served in war. He considered it his duty too.
Now at 67, Terry was gaining weight and
losing hair. Until recently, he’d made periodic
visits to the American Legion to exchange stories with his war buddies. They were heroes – every one!
But they’ll hear his tales no longer,
for the soldier died today.
Comrades forever, they could never forget
watching the limbs of soldiers blown off in convoy attacks. Violent, horrific, compassion, frustration -
aka the Vietnam War. Vivid still are
their haunting memories of Vietnamese children rummaging through their base
camp dump, trying to consume discarded food off the filthy dirt. More troubling images remained forever at
bay.
He’ll not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife. Like so many of his war buddies, he’d lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life. Statistically, Vietnam Vets had lower unemployment rates than non-vets, and were much less likely to be in prison or ever jailed for a crime.
When celebrities die, mourners note
their passing with stories of their inflated importance.
By contrast, a soldier goes unnoticed and unappreciated. Nearly 60,000 soldiers died in southeast Asia
from 1955 to 1975, some as young as 16 years old.
A politician's salary and the style in which they live are often disproportionate to the service given. But the ordinary soldier, who offered up his or her life, is compensated with a medal and perhaps a small pension.
Terry’s ranks are thinning, but his
presence should remind us we will need his likes again. For when countries are in conflict, it’s the
soldier’s job to clean up the troubles that politicians started.
Terry was one of the lucky ones,
returning home with only a minor shrapnel injury. Over 300,000 were wounded; 1,592 Americans
still remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam War.
Vietnam was more confusing to them after
returning home then before they left, an opinion common among many Vietnam vets. Terry had no illusions that returning
soldiers would be greeted as heroes. Other than his parents, he wasn’t sure
anyone would be happy to see him. So,
when he left Saigon, he sent a self-addressed letter home welcoming himself
back to civilian life.
It’s
so easy to forget them; it seems so long ago.
But let’s never forget that it’s the Terry’s of our nation who won for
us the freedom that our Country now enjoys.
Given the chance, he likely would’ve served again. Over 90% of Vietnam Veterans say they’re glad
they served; 3 of 4 say they’d serve again, even knowing the outcome.
If
you cherish your freedom, thank a Vet today!
Dear Lord, today we honor our veterans,
worthy Americans who gave their best when called to serve and protect us. Bless
them abundantly for their unselfish service and the hardships and sacrifices
they made. Amen
