Jack’s Winning Words 11/11/19
“This old soldier is ready to move on.”  (PTSD Vietnam veteran)  It’s been over 40 years since “Vietnam”  The old soldier was released from his cage through an Honor Flight arranged for “Nam” veterans to visit ‘the Wall” in Washington, DC. The protests and the anger seem to be a distant memory…but not for those who lived it.  Some know what it’s like to be “haunted” by the mind. What a relief to experience the words: “Free at last; thank God Almighty, I’m free at last!”  ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  good words, Jack.  one Sunday I had all the Vets stand and be recognized.  we applauded,  had a prayer,, etc.  afterward a man came out of the nave with tears running down his cheeks.  he told me that was the first public recognition he had ever received for his service.   i also know a man in our church who goes to the VA once or twice a month to see a shrink.   Chuck told me they shelled a village one day in Nam thinking it was full of VC.  they later found out it was full of women and children.  the results were horrible and Chuck still has not gotten past that ill-fated day. ===JACK:  Civil War General W.T.Sherman is famous for a speech he gave, "War Is Hell!"  He once gave that speech at the Michigan Military Academy at Orchard Lake, near to where I live (and you used to live).

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  We have lived through too many wars!  Thanks to all of our veterans. ===JACK:  I can't believe that the Afghanistan War is the longest one...and we're still there.

FROM FLYER TG:  Jack - it’s nice to be honored now. It sure wasn’t when I came home!!  Hope you are well and all the best.===JACK:  Time is a great healer, but the scars remain.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:    It’s just so hard to believe that all happened 40 years ago.  It was such a strange time.  Love ins, protests, dishonesty, war, so much hate, so many deaths.  I can remember the daily death count on the news!  Horrendous!  And three of those were my friends!     But, we’ve faced worse!  We are a strong people and we have dedicated men and women who continue to care about and protect this great imperfect nation.===JACK:  WW 2 was worse, but worse doesn't make it better. The Civil War was the worst of all...and if we're not careful we'll relive it.===JUDY:  Gary and I have visited numerous Civil War sites and they leave an heartbreaking scene in one’s heart.  I pray for this country and All her leaders.  We must get back to working together!  Not as enemies!

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  David Halberstam's (sp?) book on Vietnam, "THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST" is the best I ever read about the Vietnam War, and he was there from start to finish.  I think we all agree with Sherman that WAR IS HELL!, but often do not learn enough from them to avoid one at all costs! I'm the widow of a Navy vet.  from WW!!. and very thankful his life was spared, but think of all the potential, talent, and possibilities  that died with so many wonderful young men and women around the world whose lives were  cut short; Such a huge loss to their country's  futures!! :-(  Thankful for their service AND sacrifice!===JACK:  Not only the loss of life...but a lifetime of mental distress for so many.  Is there ever a good war?  Even the Crusades were a fiasco.