I hate to be the naysayer on this, but I think that it needs to be said.
When I was a young 2d Lieutenant of Infantry, our instructors at Ft. Benning would frequently tell us that only 50% of Infantry Lieutenants would survive their first tour in Vietnam. There was some statistical truth to this scare tactic, but we all knew that we were not going to be among those poor bastards who made up the down side of the 50%.
Well, obviously, I survived. But, there were those standing to my left and right who did not. After the relief that rushed through my body for not being in their shoes, came the regret that they died and I lived. But, live I did and I lived to find love, to be married, to father a fine son who is today on his honeymoon. I have lived the good life and will likely live to a ripe old age. Should I die tomorrow of the effects of my wounds, my name does not deserve to be on the memorial.
Those who died before they could see their children grow into adulthood, and grow gracefully old with the woman they loved - their names deserve to be on the wall. We who survived should remember and honor them every day, our names are not important.
“I hate to be the naysayer on this, but I think that it needs to be said.
When I was a young 2d Lieutenant of Infantry, our instructors at Ft. Benning would frequently tell us that only 50% of Infantry Lieutenants would survive their first tour in Vietnam. There was some statistical truth to this scare tactic, but we all knew that we were not going to be among those poor bastards who made up the down side of the 50%.
Well, obviously, I survived. But, there were those standing to my left and right who did not. After the relief that rushed through my body for not being in their shoes, came the regret that they died and I lived. But, live I did and I lived to find love, to be married, to father a fine son who is today on his honeymoon. I have lived the good life and will likely live to a ripe old age. Should I die tomorrow of the effects of my wounds, my name does not deserve to be on the memorial.
Those who died before they could see their children grow into adulthood, and grow gracefully old with the woman they loved - their names deserve to be on the wall. We who survived should remember and honor them every day, our names are not important.”
Wow, beautifully put. Bravo sir!
You might want to rethink that.
Some came back and spent what was left of their lives with no legs, no arms, no eyes, severe brain injuries, and other extreme health problems and injuries...Years after the war, many of these guys never left the bed, until they finally succumbed to their injuries.
Very well said.