Re: Follow up thought... -- War Stories!

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Date Posted: Thu, April 16 2009, 19:24:23
Author: Harry Larsen
Author Host/IP: 75-172-74-8.tukw.qwest.net / 75.172.74.8
Subject: Re: Follow up thought...
In reply to: Don Poss 's message, "Follow up thought..." on Thu, April 16 2009, 13:49:16

Thanks Don.

Yeah, I realize that 40 years later, those imprints on my mind won't change. I remember that TV presentation about the Normandy vets, I saw a video of it six months ago. War vets experienced life and death in ways that are hard to talk about. It sets us apart. It makes us "special" though that sounds a little corny.

It took me awhile, but I figured things out in the late 70's. The world I'd left in 1969 to serve my country had not really changed all that much by 1970. Support for the war and returning troops had waned in the general populace, and mini-skirts were the rage, but things were pretty much the same. People were busy with furthering their careers, raising their families, attending school, paying their mortgage, and cutting the grass on Saturday morning.

I thought that America had dramatically changed when I got back. It was hard to fathom how those "petty" little issues could be so important. During my eleven plus months overseas there was only ONE thing worth focussing on---survival. When I returned to the world I felt frustrated and sorry for all those people who were focused on their trivial pursuits. They were clueless about what was happening overseas.

As humans, we base expectations largely on prior experiences. Those without compelling life experiences have little basis for understanding who we are. They're not stupid, just ignorant. You can't gain experiences by reading about them. No one can relate to terror unless the hand of terror has gripped his heart and clammy fear has cloaked him. That's what makes this website valuable for many vets. Someone else out there understands.

I'm no longer the happy-go-lucky guy I started out as, but I'm still thankful, because my Vietnam experiences cemented my faith and my values more than anything else I've experienced to date. God knows all and works all according to His plans and for the good of those who place their trust in Him. That is one the thing I can bank on.

Semper fi,

Harry

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