The Parade

I was living in Denver at the end of the Gulf War and my mom called to tell me that there was going to be a parade on July 4th. That parade was going to be with Gulf War service men and women as well as current service men and women. Former service men and women from WW2, Korea and Vietnam, would also be in the parade. My mom gave me the number and name of a person to call to participate in the parade as we were coming back to Omaha for July 4th. Over the next month or so she kept calling me to make sure I was going to participate in the parade. But that wasn't something I could bring myself to do. Coming back to the states after Vietnam was terrible expereince. There was no welcome and there were people here in the States that had no problem telling me we lost the war, were drug addicts, baby killers, etc. I tried never to speak of Vietnam or serving there and was full of anger and held everything in. I longed to be back in Vietnam and missed those I served with at the 24th, my family.

I was in Omaha July 4th and my families home was about 10 blocks from the parade route. They were getting ready to go and kept on me until I finally agreed to go. At the parade there was a huge contigent of Gulf War and current service men and women. The applause, screaming and support was wonderful and full of energy. It was much the same for the WW2 veterans. However, when the Korean War veterans from the "Forgotten War" marched through the applause, etc. was more subdued. Then in the distance I saw the contigent of Vietnam Veterans coming our way. And I noticed just how quiet the acknowledgement for this group was. A marked difference. I was also amazed at some of those Vietnam Veterans marching in the parade. I knew a number of them and worked with a number of them but had no idea they served in Vietnam. And as they grew closer I noticed the pain and suffering on their faces and I was overwhelmed with sadness. I knew what they were feeling and the pain they were in. I wondered why the fuck I even went. I knew it would be a mistke.

Later at home my brother stated he was at the end of the parade. He spoke of just how emotional some of the Vietnam Veterans were. He spoke of the anger some of them expressed, some of them crying, etc. He said one of them was visibly angry and stated that all of this was "Too little, too late." Hearing this not only confirmed my feelings watching the parade but brought me even more sadness.

I often hear that those service members who served in war after Vietnam have the support and respect of the American public and will never be treated as Vietnam Veterans. This is as it should be as those who serve and fight for our Country only deserve our thanks, respect, support and appreciation.

After all these years I still long to be back in Vietnam with those I served with and I miss them, but I know I can never go back but my mind doesn't seem to understand. One thing for certain, I will never forget those brave young men and women who served in Vietnam and they will always be in my thoughts and prayers.