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Stateside, the promised Land
During the opening ceremonies for the US Archery Championships, a quartet of
both female and male soldiers sang America and other songs, then the announcer
asked for the next special song, for all who had served in uniform for our
country to step to the line.
As I looked up and down the line, I realized most of the people stepping up
to the line were Vietnam Veterans. As the young man finished singing “an
American Soldier,” very well by the way, he saluted those on the line. It
brought a lump to my throat, maybe a tear to the eye, as I realized how long it
had been since I stood with a group of my fellow Vietnam Veterans.
I can remember that when in Vietnam, most of us could not wait to get
“stateside.” It seemed to all of us, that if we just got stateside, our world
would be just fine. Most of us experienced reality very soon. The girl I left
behind, Rebecca had gotten married while I was in Vietnam. Becky was from a
small town in Southern Colorado, a preacher’s daughter. I don’t hold any rancor;
she was dealing with her reality. That was one of the first disappointments,
many more to follow. I guess knowing that those individuals that stood with me
on that day, had similar stories, made the bond stronger.
All gave some, Some gave all but we were there, Proudly
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