Due to recent events and discussions with a couple other Vets, I thought I'd post these thoughts.
Our WWI Vets are gone. We are losing our WWII Vets every day. Our slightly older brothers-in-arms from the Korean War, are also getting older and they'll be following our WWII Vets home more and more. And for my generation, us Vietnam Vets are no spring chickens anymore.
When our Veterans go home, they take with them all their memories. If no one captures those memories on recordings or on paper, then no one can learn anything from what they could pass on.
I have started something of a journal or book. I have no plans on marketing such a thing (although many do so with much success), but do want to have it copied, at least for my kids, and their kids. I want it to tell MY story, and share my thoughts and memories. I want it to be here, long after I go home one last time.
Everyone has to deal with their experiences in what ever way it right for them. But, my fellow Vets, from all conflicts, I would encourage you to document YOUR thoughts and experiences, and keep them for those who will follow some day. With today's computers and flash drives, it is easier that ever to write such thoughts down, and safe them, until YOU are ready for anyone else to read them, even it's to be read only have you have gone home.
I would encourage all Veterans to do so. And for the record, I am still working on my own memories, and it's taking me more than 10 years, and I'm still not done. You too may have some things you can't say to yourself yet, but don't let that stop you from starting, and putting down those things you can say to yourself.
THANK YOU to all our Vets, past and present.
God Bless you all.
AIRBORNE!
