Today’s
story is a very simple but sincere poem I wrote years ago about my own Viet Nam
experience. I served on an Aircraft Carrier at the beginning of the war. Then it all seemed so innocent. We never knew what was going on back home
and probably wouldn’t have cared. There
was a real sense of purpose in those beginning days of that war. The men I served with did their best and
some paid the ultimate price for their service. I honor their commitment and their love for their nation.
Memories Of Vietnam..
I remember
seeing the F-8 Crusader, like a hooded cobra, hanging in the sky
It was
heading for the carrier deck, like a dying bird falling, no longer able to fly
The plane
hit, came apart, metal skidded across the iron deck , with a mournful cry
and my
friend, Gonzales, running for the safety of a crane, was about to die
Viet Nam
wasn't pretty.. It wasn't glamorous to sail the South China Sea
It wasn't
fun to heft 500 pound bombs, sweating bullets in our navy dungaree
It wasn't
exciting to work eighteen hours and to sleep two hours or three
But it wasn't a job,
it was our duty, we were fighting to keep people free
Some laugh
about it, they shake their heads.. We don't know what to say
They think
that we were ignorant, young kids fooled into giving our lives away
They don't
know our hearts, we were trying to do what was right for that day..
We
served.. we gave our best.. our blood.. our lives.. there was a price to pay.
I am still
proud of my friends.. the men who stood.. and fought beside me
I still
stand taller, prouder when I see the flag or hear "O say can you
see.."
I am glad
that when they called.. I answered and said, "You can count on me."
We did our
best for America.. because we wanted it to always be the land of the free.
Pastor Ed
To
Those Who Served.. God Bless You..
To
those many Americans who have served our nation.. I salute you! You have paid a great price for nation and
for its liberty. The cost was at least
part of your life if not more and for that we honor your service and your
commitment. Let no one take away from the
pride of having done your duty and the willingness to offer your life on the
altar of freedom. God bless you!
If
you didn’t have the opportunity to serve but know someone who did.. this 4th of July.. search them out and tell them that you appreciate their sacrifice for
our great nation!
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