… to every soldier, and the friends and family of every soldier, who suffered these ultimate sacrifices.
I once thought I understood these things. I read textbooks and poems, watched movies. Even interviewed some WWII vets for history papers I wrote in college. Was taught by vets of WWII and Korea and even Vietnam.
But when I took maybe my 5th trip to Washington DC, walking around the National Mall, I suddenly realized that I was approaching the Vietnam Veterans Memorial … on Fathers Day. It stopped me in my tracks. I wasn’t sure I was prepared to do that. I wasn’t even sure if I should. Somehow I thought maybe that day and that place should be for families of the vets. But we went on, and I found I was absolutely NOT prepared for that day at that place. But I am glad I did it, because until you have WATCHED families and friends grieve in that way, showing every human emotion, from smiles to tears, to knee-driving grief, you do NOT understand that you will NEVER really understand … unless you lived it.
So those who did, thanks. With all respect, thanks. I hope it gets a little better for you every day.
I once thought I understood these things. I read textbooks and poems, watched movies. Even interviewed some WWII vets for history papers I wrote in college. Was taught by vets of WWII and Korea and even Vietnam.
But when I took maybe my 5th trip to Washington DC, walking around the National Mall, I suddenly realized that I was approaching the Vietnam Veterans Memorial … on Fathers Day. It stopped me in my tracks. I wasn’t sure I was prepared to do that. I wasn’t even sure if I should. Somehow I thought maybe that day and that place should be for families of the vets. But we went on, and I found I was absolutely NOT prepared for that day at that place. But I am glad I did it, because until you have WATCHED families and friends grieve in that way, showing every human emotion, from smiles to tears, to knee-driving grief, you do NOT understand that you will NEVER really understand … unless you lived it.
So those who did, thanks. With all respect, thanks. I hope it gets a little better for you every day.