Vietnam veterans

Not only did we come home to a less cordial reception and, in some cases, jeers. We were spit upon, called baby killers and looked down on. 13 years later after I came home, somebody other than my family told me "Welcome Home" and that was another Vietnam Vet. I applaud the State of Missouri, my home state and am very proud of that fact, keep up the Good Work by saluting all Veterans

The men and women who served their country in uniform, in war or in peace, did so in honor and duty to their country, flag, and fellow citizens. There are political decisions made in this country every day with which I may or may not agree. It is my opinion, however, that we all have an obligation to honor our veteren's service and sacrifice. Veteran's Day, or Armistice Day, was set for the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year. This is an historic tradition that I honor. I am somewhat saddened that the observance of this holiday will be in many communities on Monday November 12 instead of Sunday November 11, as intended, so as not to interfere with our weekend and allow us a three day weekend. As you enjoy your Bar-B-Que and extra day off, ask a Vet what he/she thinks of your timing

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veteran's

I was not old enough to serve in Vietnam War during the years it was fought, but to hear of the things that were done and said to our soldiers when they returned from overseas makes me wanna vomit! Most of the vile garbage the anit-war advocates were spouting came from unreliable sources and that not withstanding, what right did they have to say the things they did unless they had been there and had to deal with the fear and uncertainty that were a part of the servicemen and women's daily routine! If they had, then they might not have been as quick to judge! Also, while not having served in Vietnam, I HAVE served in the armed services, specifically the US Coast Guard, during times of crisis and am behind our vets, then and now, 100%!!! Without them, we might not have the right to protest like so many of those who did so back then took for granted!

I served in Vietnam for 2 1/2 years and came home was called every name but the son of god and know one care for us than we was wrong than for serving are country but not that you need more young men and women to Voluntary for the service's you will say and do anything to get them to Voluntary and than push them aside like you did the Vietnam guys.

This Government has never care for the Military only when they thank they needed us have they care for us than after it over they kick us all aside unitl the next time that they went some one to fight for them .

and would we do it again for this country hell yes we would we are the only one's that really love this country .

I served in Vietnam for 2 1/2 years and came home was called every name but the son of god and know one care for us than we was wrong than for serving are country but not that you need more young men and women to Voluntary for the service's you will say and do anything to get them to Voluntary and than push them aside like you did the Vietnam guys.

This Government has never care for the Military only when they thank they needed us have they care for us than after it over they kick us all aside unitl the next time that they went some one to fight for them .

and would we do it again for this country hell yes we would we are the only one's that really love this country .

My husband was with the first Marine Air Unit to go into Vietnam on 4-15-62 to fly Viet Nam soldiers into battle. They had to live in large tents with several other Marines, shave out of their helmets and drink processed water out of the rice paddies after the water buffalos had been in the water! It was impossible to get water out of the river because their water trucks would get shot up.

Their helicopters would get shot at when they dropped off VN soldiers and shot at again when they went in to pick up wounded.

The Marines had to walk guard duty with UNLOADED rifles keeping the clip of ammo on their belt and only loading it if they were shot at! They had to check out ammo like library books! And they didn't have cell phones and e-mail to call home or write to loved ones every night! They wrote letters in the dark after lights out or whenever they could find a spare quiet moment. They had to eat WWII rations and never got to go into the nearby towns as there was a bounty placed on their heads. So, I don't have a whole lot of sympathy for the whining young women at home. Yes, I feel sorry for them that their husbands are away from home and in danger in foreign lands, but they have it so much easier that the veterans from VN, WWII, etc.

And not only did the public not appreciate that they were only doing their duty when they were DRAFTED and had no other choice but to go- the VFWs and American Legion Vets didn't even recognize them as VETERANS!!! I know this for a fact because when my husband got home from overseas after being gone for 18 months, the VFW told him he wasn't eligible to join!

Only now, after all these years do other young service men salute him when he wears his USMC ballcap does he get any thanks. He never got metals he was promised- never got combat pay and all the other perks alot of vets got.

If the young men and women in the service now are getting the thanks they deserve, IT'S BECAUSE THEY ARE BEING RECOGNIZED BY OUR GENERATION, GIVING THEM THE SUPPORT AND THANKS THAT OUR VIET NAM AND KOREAN VETS NEVER GOT!

And to all you veterans, take advantage of the VA health care and other benefits that are available to you. YOU DESERVE THEM! Our local Cape Clinic, Poplar Bluff and St. Louis Hospitals are clean and well run and do a very good job of giving you the care you deserve.

SEMPER FI & HAPPY 242ND BIRTHDAY USMC!