Nourishing Body & Soul
by Sharon Rosenblum
Kindness for All Veterans
In 1975 I returned to the United States after serving in S.E. Asia and the Philippines. I, like everyone else who served there, did not want it to be known that I was in the military and had been stationed “over there”. People in the military were shunned, cast aside, and considered an embarrassment during the time of the Viet Nam War.
There was a lot of anger in this country about the Viet Nam War. This anger was directed at those who were drafted by our government and were following the orders of their commanders and Commander in Chief – the President.
Credit: Blueenayim | Dreamstime.com
Our wounded veterans returning from the Viet Nam War were not cared for and many of them became homeless and lived on the streets. They suffered from PTSD, though no one wanted to hear about that. They also had severe injuries and loss of limbs similar to our current day soldiers.
in this lifetime, have earned all the kindness we can offer. Previously, as during Viet Nam, most of the people serving in the military were drafted. Currently,
we have an “all-volunteer force”. The fact that there was no kindness offered to our veterans returning from S.E. Asia is very hard for me to understand.
Previously, as during Viet Nam, most of the people serving in the military were drafted. These veterans served their country at a great price to themselves and their identity. The fact that there was no kindness offered to our veterans returning from S.E. Asia is very hard to understand.
Over the years things have changed and the attitude towards the military has shifted. I feel that 911 is what brought about that change. I am grateful to see that our veterans are final receiving the medical care and treatments that they have certainly earned. It is about time, as many of us older vets did not get that medical treatment and kindness. Kindness is free, it doesn’t cost anyone anything. It only needs to be thought of and given to others, especially our veterans. Our veterans, who have seen more than anyone should have to see
Star Nations Magazine • November 2020 • 11
