Random images:
My Uncle Hank, a fragile child, who was taken into the army, took part in the invasion at Normandy, came home shattered, and spent the rest of his life fighting his demons in a mental institution.
The boy who after two tours in Iraq, came home to Santa Cruz and blew his brains out on West Cliff Drive last week.
The tens of thousands (mentally and/or physically) injured within our VA hospitals, and those who never sought help.
The alcoholic/drug addicted bums on the corner.
The MIAs.
The recognized war dead, who we honor this day.
Everyone having a barbeque on their three-day weekend.
5 comments:
Sandy, needless to say, this brought tears to my eyes. I'm so sorry about your Uncle Hank. What a tragedy. And what a tragedy that we don't help veterans MORE - they come home often shattered, sometimes both physically and mentally - mentally is bad enough right? - and I don't think we treat them with enough love, respect, mental health help, etc.
I know some can't even seek help. My heart breaks for them. I can't imagine the hell they live with.
This was sad, but thanks for writing it. It needs to be said.
ditto to what denise said. all my great uncles fought in WWII and one in korea, and they never talked about either one of those.
we just don't do enough for our heroes.
Actually, i was informed that memorial day is for soldiers who survived and veteran's day is for those who died. i mean, i was CORRECTED by someone. oh well.
my mom's uncle was in the first wave of soldiers to liberate Auschwitz and he never told anyone for 60 years. i can't imagine being him and having those memories forever.
i always honor our troops, no matter how idiotic the cause they've been sent to fight for.
It seems like it should be the other way around, doesn't it?
oh wait, you're right! forgive me, it IS the other way round. Christ, my brain is apparently in my socks or my underpants or somewhere i can't reach it.
Post a Comment