Go to Vic's poetry by Jessie
- Add a comment
- Go to so tired of people abusing the word hero.
Re: Hero
How well I remember that time. I had one cousin who served there for 3 years, others who did not. I remember wishing no one had to go to that hellhole, but never did I disrespect those who fought, nor did I disrespect those who did not. I had one cousin who was 4F, did not serve. Others were in school. I remember our guys' homecomings, which were more than unpleasant at times. I remember a boy, for he was just a boy then, from my high school and neighborhood, whose chopper was shot down by the Cong, and he was killed and I read about it in the newspaper, seeing his photo, knowing he was gone, and it filled me with a sense of regret. I remember being glad that the war was over. I remember seeing the change in attitudes. I remember a new generation, a nephew, so proudly serving for 10 years. I now see our Vietnam Vets, all of our Vets, admired and appreciated for all they gave. As my mom used to say, "Times change, people don't." People remember; people care.
posted by
Sea_Gypsy
on November 21, 2017 at 11:47 PM
| link to this | reply
Hero
Funny thing..when I was serving, Marines/military folks were looked down on. We weren't heros or thanked for our service but we reminded folks about the vietnam quagmire, I think, and so represented something they detested about the government and so were an easy target for their disdain. We ended that lil conflict in 1975 and I enlisted in 1976 but I remember those that came back from Vietnam being spit on and called "babykillers" and shit like that so we weren't much better to people being that close. Thus I imagine my disdain and disgust at folks who claim a mantle of patriotism but never served a day of their life kinda sticks in the craw with me, especially those that ran or deferred however many times over til they needn't worry any more. Funny memory..
posted by
JessieE
on November 21, 2017 at 9:59 PM
| link to this | reply
"Abuse of power under color of authority" - I think that's what they call it. That's the message I hear, in part, in your poem. Good poem! And you are so right. BTW, thank you for your service, and as a Marine, at that! Some heroes go unsung. And some people in uniform are just that, a none, nada. Men, women; both can step up equally, or fall down that rabbit hole equally. 
posted by
Sea_Gypsy
on November 21, 2017 at 3:56 PM
| link to this | reply
One never knows until they are in the moment how they will react. Some that you expect will freeze and others will step up. found it in nursing all the time.
posted by
Kabu
on November 21, 2017 at 1:56 PM
| link to this | reply
Quite true Jessie and one can also feel for those who do their duty and do not feel very brave.
posted by
C_C_T
on November 21, 2017 at 8:51 AM
| link to this | reply