This is so very sad. War does take so many lives in so many ways. Some costs of war go unnoticed by those in charge.

Chrissy

War takes it all, Ed. Sad that people still believe that it is
a viable option to solving problems. How very sad indeed...
Be well,
Carolyn

Sad I know two of these veterans you speak of or should I say knew ....

Most Tragic Ed...a heartbreaking write...write on! Love Holly

Your words share truth and sadness Ed. Thank you for sharing.

Newfie Hugs, Rose

This cuts like a knife. Sad but unfortunately true. Demons haunt souls long after they had left the war scene. thanks dear Ed. for bringing this to our attention.

Brother Edward, you've scored a big one here. Amen. You and I have known too many from all the wars mentioned here who don't go to the extent of killing themselves physically, but lead lives under the weight of the demons on their shoulders....Jerry

I have to say that I didnt know so many veterans took thier own lives. Great write.

I agree with Micke, Blessings! Jasmin Horst

sad poetic truth Ed, the demons are everywhere, some are just worst in worse places,

So true, Mr. Ed. Of late our dependence on oil bears much of the blame for this hell.
Best regards,
Leland

Through tears this image is much to clear and resonates for many. It is one that just grabs the heart as you try to reach out to fine men such as the one mentioned here. I do know a few that ended in this way because the demons of the past created illusionary visions that just tormented relentlessly. Pick your war, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War and today in Afghanastan and Iraq the outcome, unfortunately for some is sadly the same.....

Be always safe,
Karen

Heart wrenching and too often true.

this is so very heartbreaking--we should do better by them--thank you for this write

My fathers only brother hung himself after the World War, too much pain..he was just 21....sad sad sad.

Very sad... powerful offering Eddie!!

Love Tinka

So very sad,and yet we continue to war as if what happens is in another world. It is surreal how we ignore the cost of war,and one wonders if we will ever find a solution.

Yea, you said it the best in the footnote. Vietnam was chock full of these "Homeward bound" sad stories of returning soldiers. And worse, they were NOT treated as heroes but despised. Sadly, unless our leaders learn from our past history we cannot expect the 18+ something young men we send to know that WE ALL have been through this before. Perhaps we need wiser, more human leaders...

Those demons traveled far didn't they? Destoyed many great men. Sad but true, and glad you advised us of the death rate. I did not know that many killed themselves each day. It is kind of really depressing news.

Powerful write, but how about helping ALL of our veterans, not just the Iraq War ones?? It's only right!!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :( >tears! <

Powerful and war is hell, I've known and knew a lot
of Viet Nam vets, some died and those who came back
were never the same. All of them were close friends
and those still alive are always my friends.
They need our help and support. Great message Ed!

Ed, powerful write...

Peace,
Dan

Ed it is a strange but true fact of war that the worst casualties of all are those with wounds that do not bleed. The very horror at witnessing man's inhumanities and devastating hatred is enough to drive most of the edge and where they land no one really knows till we hear them hit the ground.

Fee

Tragic - their suicides - the end over for them, just beginning for those left behind -

As well as them being forgotten in the first place - except when convenient -

A truly heartbroken poem - God be with the families going through this!

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. *tears*

There were many like this soldier who came back from WWII, also; it just wasn't talked about or recognized. I still think if war is to be executed, let the "leaders" go do their own bidding!
Blessings and Love - Micke

The depths of this poem will linger in the hearts of your readers for many days to come. The trenches of war so many times torment the soul...sad death deliver them from such a evil remberance...

a sad poetic tale Ed
But true of many returning man of war suffer
and those still suffering the effects of "Nam"
Peace Be with you

William

This is very sad! What war can do that unspeakable damange to a person. Many vietnam veterans are affected by the wars in their lifetime too, they suffer unspeakable damange psychologically. Even though everyone commended for their bravery, but the wars, the gun fires and seeing the faces of the dead and the agonies of being wounded has long time psychological effect that sometimes just cannot be healed. My heart goes out to his young man. There goes one life...ruined!

Sandie Angel :o(

The demons are there, some get past them or leave them behind, though it ain't easy, that is at least what I find...Ed