Thread: Letter From Our Past...

In memory of my father and all that his generation did for us I have tried to convey what my father, a veteran, might write to his government and fellow countrymen given the challenge we now face....

I’m an American veteran. You may not remember me as I now live only in your memory. I was your father, your brother, your friend, your neighbor. I was a soldier once, and young. I proudly fought, bled, grieved and grew old in the deserts of North Africa, the hell of Bastogne, the bloody beaches of Iwo Jima, the frozen wastelands of Korea and the hellish jungles of Viet Nam. I watched my buddies disappear before my eyes, seen the life blood drain from their bodies, written the letters to the grieving parents who once had a son and now have an empty chair at the table. I left behind a wife and children who can no longer share with their father the joys of family and country on those special days like the fourth of July. I too once enjoyed all things American. However, my country needed me and I answered the call to duty. And now, in the end, I have given everything. I have given body and soul to protect my family, my buddies, my country. Now, from my eternal resting place I see my flag being desecrated. I see my country being torn asunder by those who have no honor, no love for what I fought for. Why do you desert me now? Have I not earned your respect? Do you no longer honor me? Why do you give away that for which I and my buddies sacrificed everything? I am tired…weary from battle and ask for little. A fond remembrance of me on veterans day would be nice. As my final wish, before you have forgotten me and the cross on my grave crumbles to dust, all I ask is that my sacrifice be not in vain. Make me proud….

Always Yours,

A Veteran

Beautifully written TexasBorn, your daddy would've been proud of you.

I did not die on the frozen fields of Korea, but I was there. I was lucky. I was on a ship. Some of my friends froze on the beach, some died.

Your Daddy would probably wipe a tear from his eye at your words. I am proud of you. You have the American spirit. My father and brother served in WW2. A number of my nieces and nephews served in 'Nam. Some still serve.

Your words are greatly appreciated and extremely well written.

Thank You
Misterbill

Thanks Texas, you made me cry.

That is very moving TexasBorn--a true honor to your father and all veterans.

Thank you.

AMEN .......

misterbill, there are still those of us who remember. And for what you did, we honor your service! Thank you! I only hope that current and future generations do not denigrate this sacrifice and stand up for the USA!

Originally Posted by misterbill

I did not die on the frozen fields of Korea, but I was there. I was lucky. I was on a ship. Some of my friends froze on the beach, some died.

Your Daddy would probably wipe a tear from his eye at your words. I am proud of you. You have the American spirit. My father and brother served in WW2. A number of my nieces and nephews served in 'Nam. Some still serve.

Your words are greatly appreciated and extremely well written.

Thank You
Misterbill

Beautifully written, thank you.
MD
USMC 70/73

Semper Fi Mountain Dog!

Originally Posted by MountainDog

Beautifully written, thank you.
MD
USMC 70/73

Originally Posted by TexasBorn

In memory of my father and all that his generation did for us I have tried to convey what my father, a veteran, might write to his government and fellow countrymen given the challenge we now face....

I’m an American veteran. You may not remember me as I now live only in your memory. I was your father, your brother, your friend, your neighbor. I was a soldier once, and young. I proudly fought, bled, grieved and grew old in the deserts of North Africa, the hell of Bastogne, the bloody beaches of Iwo Jima, the frozen wastelands of Korea and the hellish jungles of Viet Nam. I watched my buddies disappear before my eyes, seen the life blood drain from their bodies, written the letters to the grieving parents who once had a son and now have an empty chair at the table. I left behind a wife and children who can no longer share with their father the joys of family and country on those special days like the fourth of July. I too once enjoyed all things American. However, my country needed me and I answered the call to duty. And now, in the end, I have given everything. I have given body and soul to protect my family, my buddies, my country. Now, from my eternal resting place I see my flag being desecrated. I see my country being torn asunder by those who have no honor, no love for what I fought for. Why do you desert me now? Have I not earned your respect? Do you no longer honor me? Why do you give away that for which I and my buddies sacrificed everything? I am tired…weary from battle and ask for little. A fond remembrance of me on veterans day would be nice. As my final wish, before you have forgotten me and the cross on my grave crumbles to dust, all I ask is that my sacrifice be not in vain. Make me proud….

Always Yours,

A Veteran

Beautiful, brought tears to my eyes. My Dad was a veteran as well.