My heart bleeds for our homeless vets, like the ones I saw sleeping on the park bench in Washington, DC in the shadow of the Vietnam vets memorial. Saddest thing I ever saw.

I agree that the Nam vets got a raw deal. However, the CM of H should go only to those who acted beyond the pale. My college was filled with cowards that came there only to avoid the draft. So-called leaders like McNamera and Bush use men as cannon fodder for their twisted purpose. When real danger comes to call, our bravery will be tested.

Ron

Ed~!

Bravissimo - well done!!


Blessings,

Lance

Ed,

*Salute* and thank you for your service. Welcome home, soldier, welcome home. I made it a promise, when I meet a Vietnam Veteran, I thank them, welcome them home, and give them a great big (((HUG))). Consider yourself (((HUG)))ged.

Vietnam Veterans got such a raw deal upon returning home (IF they came home at all) - and now, Iraqi and Afghanistan Veterans are finding out they're not welcome, either.

Heartbreaking. Devastating. A kick in the ass from those who would ask us to serve. Shame on those in high office who have no clue as to what making sacrifices is all about. NO CLUE.

You got me stirred up, my friend, and that's good. Maybe if more of us say 'ENOUGH' ...

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

Strong and wise...

Fee

We need to treat ALL of our veterans with the respect and honor they so rightfully deserve, NOT just the ones from Iraq! Heartbreaking!

Thank you, sir, for serving, and WELCOME HOME, Soldier! *SALUTE*

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

We very sadly have a very long way to go, before we as a nation finally treat all veterans, as they all should be treated - with honor, with respect, and with undying gratitude.

Brother, this is a truth that the Office's Jockeys big Brass try to sweep under the proverbial carpet, and that carpet by now have so much hidden under that are competing with the Rockies Mountains high.

Georg

yes, good tribute and you have expressed important issues

ED - good poem and great tribute!

Glad to see you address this old, old - but extremely valid issue.

ALL WARS ARE STUPID AND HEINOUS - BUT THE MEN AND WOMEN OF VALOR WHO GO OFF TO FIGHT ARE THE VICTIMS, NOT THE GUILTY!

THE GUILTY ARE THE LYING, CRINGING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO SEND OUR SONS AND DAUGHTERS OFF TO WAR!

IF ANYONE SHOULD BE CALLED BABY-KILLERS, IT SHOULD BE THE WAR-MONGERS AND PROFITEERS WHO ALWAYS PROSPER FROM WARS!

PEACE - MY FRIEND - AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! Tom.

So sad for veterans in this land now. What can we do though? It is so many that they seem to only want the good ones to fight and when they come home, that's it. They have done there duty to their country. I see so many harmed veterans when I take my Cousin Charles over to the Lebanon, VA hosp at Lebanon PA. It is sad to see so many having knee problems now and walking problems. and all.

Yes, yes Ed, so powerfully and aptly well said!
It happened here in Australia too: absolute disgrace!
Thank you for acknowledging the thankful raising of consciousness!
Love, Suzie

Ed,

It's so true and sad that we've treated our veterans so poorly. How can we treat the very people that defended us like trash. It doesn't make sense. Powerfully penned truth.

Mary

well said. if they were only ignored for so long it has been bad enough. my boys' dad never recovered from being called baby killer and died before the wall was built. he never knew the country paid a little sideways homage for his service. my husband, well decorated, special forces has seen benefits reduced, VA medical reduced, etc.