Today is November 11th.
Veteran's Day in America.
Also marked as Remembrance Day/Armistice Day in most parts of the British Commonwealth.
Tomorrow would have been Private William Henry Young's 60th Birthday - if he were still alive. My buddy Bill died in November 1969 - shot through his gut at point blank range with a flare. He died a painful, prolonged, agonizing and miserable death - in my very arms.
Not a day goes by when I don't pause and reflect on how lucky I was to come back home more or less in one piece. Billy's death is specially painful - he got shot trying to save me. We grew up together - his ****** is still alive.
There's supposed to be a small parade and memorial service in town today.
I **** the Army and I hated that war and I was miserable when I returned. I was broke and perpetually hungry, I was clothed in rags and I had no home.
But I never forgot the men I served with.
If you meet a veteran today, please thank 'em.
If you can't find it in your heart to do so - that's ok. But please, at least for one day today - please don't speak ill of 'em.
To my men and comrades who served with me in "the big red one" and the "***** cav" - thank you. May I never forget you.
In memory of Dobie Carlyle (MIA since June 1969; Vietnam, Republic of)
cheers,
R.
Veteran's Day in America.
Also marked as Remembrance Day/Armistice Day in most parts of the British Commonwealth.
Tomorrow would have been Private William Henry Young's 60th Birthday - if he were still alive. My buddy Bill died in November 1969 - shot through his gut at point blank range with a flare. He died a painful, prolonged, agonizing and miserable death - in my very arms.
Not a day goes by when I don't pause and reflect on how lucky I was to come back home more or less in one piece. Billy's death is specially painful - he got shot trying to save me. We grew up together - his ****** is still alive.
There's supposed to be a small parade and memorial service in town today.
I **** the Army and I hated that war and I was miserable when I returned. I was broke and perpetually hungry, I was clothed in rags and I had no home.
But I never forgot the men I served with.
If you meet a veteran today, please thank 'em.
If you can't find it in your heart to do so - that's ok. But please, at least for one day today - please don't speak ill of 'em.
To my men and comrades who served with me in "the big red one" and the "***** cav" - thank you. May I never forget you.
In memory of Dobie Carlyle (MIA since June 1969; Vietnam, Republic of)
cheers,
R.
