I grew up knowing that my dad was a Vietnam Vet. I knew the “story” because my mom had told it to me as if it were a written hymn meant to be repeated verbatim:
“Your father was an x-ray tech in the war. He was hurt in a bombing that killed his friend and caused your father a lot of injury.” The end.
That is the extent of what I know about my dad’s time in Vietnam. But I and my brothers were fully aware of the effect that the war had on my dad. There were the visible, physical scars, and there were the internal, mental scars as well. As a child, I never understood why my dad had a loaded gun in every room when my friend’s dads didn’t. Wasn’t it normal for your dad to start training you in self defense when you’re 7 years old?
Don’t get me wrong. I had a great childhood filled with love and I adore my father. But the war had it’s effects on him and ultimately the rest of us as well. I read recently of how 25% of all homeless are war veterans and it got me wondering just how close my dad could have come to being alone on the street. My dad was blessed. He adjusted to his experience in Vietnam and to his injury. He adjusted to his return to civilian life and being back in the “real” world. Unfortunately though, many do not.
This weekend I honor my dad and all those who have fought or served this country on my behalf. No matter what your position on war is, Veteran’s Day is about cherishing and honoring all those who have, without question, served of this fine country and have done so with pride.
I know that when I look at the shrapnel scars scattered over my dad’s back that he served this country bravely and nearly died for it. He lost a good friend for it. As so many have….
I will never forget that.
