This is a letter my husband wrote to his Mother while he was in the Army.....All three brothers were drafted into the military, all three served. All three have talked about their service, quietly and without emotion....in a crowd.
When my husband talks to me, it is truly heartbreaking and very emotional for us both. I see the memories flood his mind....thoughts simply, and almost visually seem to race through him....he was an MP and Convoy Escort.
Out front and in plain site.
It was a little girl, on the side of the road, she had been eating some rice. She lay still, rice filled her mouth, and Steve just wanted to help her, she had already passed, the convoy couldn't and wouldn't stop. And neither did the shooting...He just wanted to cover her....I think that is the the memory that stays in his mind, the picture that shakes him to the core. Part of him has always stayed with that little girl...it tears at his very soul.
Upon discharge from the Army, there were no bands, no parties, no welcomes. It was quiet and one at a time. He got a steak dinner and was sent by himself on a plane home bound. Met only by his Mother...it was a different time...it was definitely a different war.
All three boys came home.....physically safe, but emotionally torn.
Here is a letter he wrote to his Mother..........
Dear Mom,
It`s nearing monsoon season, and the skies are darkened by pastures of rain filled clouds. The hills are turning green, in shades that only God himself can create. The ocean is restless, with the winds. And white caps crown the deep blue depths. The wind is strong, yet cool and comforting after a long hot summer.
Truly, a beautiful nature filled land, yet to destroy its God given beauty; All I have to do is call it by its name.
Vietnam.
Written on his 22nd birthday June 17th 1970, during his tour of duty with the Army.
I celebrate Veterans Day with a smile, but deep in my heart I know that there is a small girl standing next to us, in a memory, in a moment in time that changed my husband from a boy to a man. Emotion played no part in the military. Not at that time....his life moved forward as so many other military men and woman will do....but they too have their moment, their little girl....that will forever live inside their memory.
They say time heals all wounds....But not all wounds are visible.
God Bless all our Military and their families, past, present and future. On this day, and everyday.
Peace be with you.
