Mt. Rushmore evening program

[kd4ipk]

Thanks for the info will have to put on list of things to do.

[spock123]

Everyone is different but personally as a Vietnam veteran it’s a little late for me. I remember all to well how it was when I came home from Vietnam

[JayArras]

Originally Posted by spock123

Everyone is different but personally as a Vietnam veteran it’s a little late for me. I remember all to well how it was when I came home from Vietnam

Your feelings are very real to you and I respect that. But I was struck by a quote I heard today on the passing of Senator John McCain. He said that his imprisonment in the "Hanoi Hilton" as a POW for nearly 6 years made him love his country even more. The history of our country is rife with mistakes and injustices. But as it marches on, we seem to learn from our mistakes and make things right for future generations.

As a conscientious objector myself during the Vietnam war, I truly thank you for your service.

[BandJCarm]

I will be there 09/01 or 09/02.

Thank you for your service. I was in during the Era, but did not go over there. It is hard for me to stand when Vets are recognized because I did so little to get my DD214. The Wall was the hardest thing I ever saw.

As to other posts here, I would be lifetime banned for my thoughts.

Thank you again.

[Puma26RLSS]

Originally Posted by spock123

Everyone is different but personally as a Vietnam veteran it’s a little late for me. I remember all to well how it was when I came home from Vietnam

Point well taken. You have earned the right to deal with veteran issues as you feel best. I would like to share with you, however, for whatever purpose it may serve, that I have been very rewarded this past year as I have participated in the national Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemorative Program that is running from 2012 to 2025. It is a program developed by congress and approved by the last two presidents. The goal is to honor the service of all 7, 000,000 men and women who served on active duty between 1955-1975 regardless of duty station, as all, theoretically were subject to orders to Vietnam. Ceremonies have been taking place for several years now with the cooperation of "commemorative partners" such as veteran organizations, businesses, churches, community service organizations. and the VA, itself. I personally chair our church's commemorative partner committee and have participated in three ceremonies in the past year that has presented about a hundred of the commemorative pins. The pins are being presented, not "handed out". I and many of our fellow Vietnam War vets are experiencing these events as "partial" healings. I have never felt a stronger sence of mission than trying to reach out to Vietnam vets and simply present them their pins, say "Welcome Home" and "Thank You for Your Service". It is way late, way too little, but, for many, it is a partial healing well worth the experience. You can find a commemorative Partner who may be having a ceremony this Veterans Day at the national website. https://www.vietnamwar50th.com/
Here is the pin being presented:

[spock123]

I never said I didn’t love this country but the way I was treated when I came home I won’t ever forget it. It’s to damn late for me. I don’t care much for draft dodgers or conscientious objectors. I hope I can outlive jimmy carter so I can pee on his grave for pardoning the draft dodgers

[5er_tom]

I certainly do understand the ill feelings about the way Vets were treated. I was stateside for my three years but even then I could not talk about my Army experience in public for the next 15+ years. Internally I am proud that I served my country and screw those folks that don't love this country.