My mother (World War II era) and I (Vietnam War era) stood at my father’s grave for the Memorial Day ceremony. Around us, the purple mountains and fruited plains stood witness as the proud and the brave gathered. “Love your country and remember those who died for your freedom,” said a WWII vet. The 21-gun salute, military fly-over, “Taps” and lone bagpiper brought tears to hundreds of eyes.
When I looked into the faces of the Vietnam Vets gathered there, I saw my peers, the horrors and pride still burning in their eyes. It broke my heart. I thought about my anti-Vietnam stand in the 70s, about my dodging and dissenting friends. We were never anti-soldier; only anti-war. Not anti-American, we were anti-violence. The soldiers believed they were fighting for a just cause, and more than 211,000 troops were killed or wounded in a war we would/could never win. We believed our government was sacrificing their lives in a senseless war.
Then I looked down at my 3-year-old grandson, and imagined “a brotherhood of man.” I am still anti-war, but I am mostly pro-peace.
you are a gifted writer! Just finished Wolfe's Look Homeward Angel. Yours is as good.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Val! And for the great card, and photos. (more later). It's so good to be back in touch!
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