papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

You need help.

tbpmusic Loc: LaPorte, Indiana

The upshot of why I/we fought is so that "illininitt" can say what's on his mind, even if you may not agree with it.
A few years ago I was a volunteer for the Travelling Wall display here. I ran a computer, locating name locations on the Wall for folks.
I saw my entire generation parade by, a line of broken old men - many have never been able to get over what they went through. Many of us did manage to adjust, many did not.
I myself have suffered terrible physical effects from Vietnam - tropical diseases, Agent Orange effects, chronic depression.
So I can understand his bitterness - I love my country, but hold no love for the politicians and "generals" who played the events for their own benefit.

jimdandy

You really need to drop that load and move on. Carrying that load won't change the past. Enjoy your remaining days on planet Earth.

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

I'm not sure he's disturbed but he is remembering what the military was/is like. I joined in '66 because I was going to be drafted later that week. It took me almost no time to realize how the military exemplifies all that is or could be wrong in our society--it was horrible. It's not that it was tough it's that it is arbitrarily mean and vicious and attempts to crush any sign of individuality, creativity or even desire to do a job right. I got out in '70 and still hate the military. That is part of what I'm remembering today. And while I'm not a pacifist and I served honorably I am not convinced that our military actions have made us safer--mostly they have made a lot of money for a lot of unscrupulous people.

Having said that I do not blame the veterans who were drafted or enlisted--we did what we hoped was right and many were killed or broken. My hat is off to them. I agree that we need the draft (or public service) as a kind of balance against the abuse of power by the different branches of our government. If we hadn't sent so many kids back home in boxes we'd probably still be in Viet Nam.

So it's not the commenter who needs help--it's our country.

jaycoffman Loc: San Diego

I'm not sure he's disturbed but he is remembering what the military was/is like. I joined in '66 because I was going to be drafted later that week. It took me almost no time to realize how the military exemplifies all that is or could be wrong in our society--it was horrible. It's not that it was tough it's that it is arbitrarily mean and vicious and attempts to crush any sign of individuality, creativity or even desire to do a job right. I got out in '70 and still hate the military. That is part of what I'm remembering today. And while I'm not a pacifist and I served honorably I am not convinced that our military actions have made us safer--mostly they have made a lot of money for a lot of unscrupulous people.

Having said that I do not blame the veterans who were drafted or enlisted--we did what we hoped was right and many were killed or broken. My hat is off to them. I agree that we need the draft (or public service) as a kind of balance against the abuse of power by the different branches of our government. If we hadn't sent so many kids back home in boxes we'd probably still be in Viet Nam.

So it's not the commenter who needs help--it's our country.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

For many years I shied away from war, vets, Vietnam. Graduating from high school in 1969, I got to hear my older buddy's/vets come back and tell their war/horror stories. Over the years I have listened to a lot more stories. I know a lot of maimed an mutated vets and I know of many that came home in caskets.

To ALL of you, including illininitt and those who feel as he does, thank you for your​ service, your efforts, and your losses (whatever they may be).

I found it disgraceful the way a lot of Vietnam veterans were treated when they arrived home. I found it disgraceful that the VFW would NOT accept them because it was not a declared war.

There is a lot of injustice in this world and this country. I know a lot of people consider this a solum day, reserved for remembering. But tell me, when are guys like illininitt supposed to vent their story, their anger? When that snap?

I don't expect them to run up and take over a podium at a service. But, I will listen to illininitt, and all his buddies. They need to tell their stories. They need to know someone cares. They need to know their suffering was appreciated and not for nothing. Maybe, just maybe, an hour after the regular service, guys like illininitt could take the stage and tell their stories. But instead of yelling at them to "get help", just listen to them. Then, just maybe, find it in your heart to shake their hand and say "Thank you." Thank you, too.

For your service, all of you. Thank you Mothers and Fathers, Brothers and Sisters, Sons and Daughters, Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles. All veterans deserve respect today.

blackhorse 1-7

It's a day to give honor to those who died in uniform. It is NOT the day to bitch and complain---save that for another time. If, at a funeral, you have nothing good or kind to say about the deceased, one keeps their mouth shut. Lots of veterans have legitimate gripes and anger. Lets keep those for another day and give honor to our fallen heroes. (1st battalion, 7th Cavalry, Vietnam, 1968).

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

Me, too. . . . wait, who were we agreeing with?

AZ Dog Loc: Peoria, AZ

I was in country for almost as long as you served. I came back and went on to serve 20 years. It is very difficult to believe you have all this hate bottled up inside. How has your life been since Vietnam? Do you still act this way to the people around you? How about your job? Is that going well? Seriously, I believe you need you need help.

blackhorse 1-7

It's all good. Whatever our personal views might be, the sound of Taps brings a tear to every Veteran and a lump in our throat. We all remember, the good and the bad. May all who died in the service of America rest in peace.

AZ Dog Loc: Peoria, AZ

Amen, brother.

JustMePB Loc: Currently Indian Trail, NC.

Received from a Veteran Friend.......

Not to be an asshole, but here are some ground rules for this coming weekend:

1. Please don't wish me a Happy Memorial day. There is nothing happy about brave men and women dying for this great nation.

2. It's not a holiday. It's a remembrance.

3. If you want to know the true meaning, visit Arlington or your local cemetery and look for the military headstones.

4. Don't tell me I don't know what I am talking about. My warrior brothers and sisters have carried the burden all too many times for this great country.

5. Say prayer for those proudly serving our country.

6. Remember the Fallen for all the GOOD they did while they were here.

7. If you are going to have a bbq this weekend, please lift a glass (drink of your choice), remember and salute those that have given their lives for this country.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. And above all:

NEVER FORGET the sacrifices of those we have lost serving our great nation!!!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Agree. I didn't enjoy my time in the service either or my year in VietNam, but Memorial Day is reserved for remembering those who fought and died to keep our country and the world free. Instead of bitching, let's spend the day remembering those that gave their all - it is a wake and a rememberence for fallen heros. If our fathers had not fought and won WW2, we'd be living in a very different world today, and not a good one.

windshoppe Loc: Arizona

Amen! Let's dedicate the day with gratitude for ALL who served.

One Rude Dawg Loc: Athol, ID

Right on the money.