No. 25: Heroes Walk Among Us
December 15th 2008 20:09
Reluctantly, we must admit, some soldiers returning home to their loved ones served their time in safe, behind-the-lines jobs that were not much different from what they
would have done before leaving. Their sacrifices were to leave their comfort zones, jobs, familiies and friends. This is necessary, commendable and should be appreciated and not sold short, but my point is that not all returning veterans served in harm's way.
Once in a great while, one of them boasts of the time served as if to imply he or she had done much more, or had been in much greater danger than in reality. Although they still are heroes of a sort to their immediate loved ones and country, thankfully the boastful are the exceptions to the rule. Generally, it seems, most returning soldiers tend to keep quiet about their experiences as though to discuss them would revive harsh images, and sad memories, they wish to forget.
Then there is the returning veteran who did things he or she would best not have done. Probably no one knows what acts were carried out nefariously, but he or she returns to civilian life as though all is normal. Only those who have done these acts or, perhaps, their closest allies, know the truth. In many cases, it is best kept that way.
What about the ones who served valiantly in harm's way with honor? Usually, it takes
poise, tact, and patience probing the events and introspection from them. I cannot imagine the events and things they have endured. I fail to feel I could have carried them out so courageously.
Many heroes have chosen Central Florida for retirement. Living here has provided some of us with personal opportunities for being blessed and honored in their presence. Without actual names, please let me now list some veterans and survivors with whom I have met and discussed their situations.
World War II -- Iwo Jima, Bataan march, Guadalcanal, Pearl Harbor and Hawaii, Japanese, Taiwanese, Normandy (land, air and sea), Italy, Battle of the Bulge, RAF, German soldiers, German civilians, London Blitz survivors, concentration camp suvivors, The U.S.S. Indianapolis; Korea -- Korean soldiers and One Medal of Honor recipient from that war; Vietnam -- Vietnamese civilians, soldiers, numerous U.S. Viet Nam vets, a Hanoi Hilton survivor; Operation Desert Storm -- Kuwaiti civilians, U.S. soldiers; and a couple of Lebanese conflict civilians.
I have been so blessed just to meet and talk with these wonderful people. All have been humble, and gave accolades to their lost brethren stating: "They are the real heroes."
Please consider saying special prayers for all your country's heroes. Remember them on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Help them and their families, and above all be grateful for all they have done. Need I remind anyone that without them, we most likely would not be here or at least might be suffering in a different language.
In the meantime, keep it between the lines.
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