International War Veterans' Poetry Archives
http://www.iwvpa.net/cunninghamj
If the "Dear Vietnam Veteran" Letter and picture backdrop does not appear
just below this, please link to the above. You can read another copy at: http://www.americans-working-together.com/american_veterans/id120.html
http://www.iwvpa.net/cunninghamj
DEAR VIETNAM VETERAN
I know I should have written
much sooner.
I can't say why I did not. Out
of fear of admitting to myself you were there fighting a war. Or maybe ashamed; ashamed that I never accepted the things you
felt you had to do.
Whatever it is, I know it must
hurt.
Believe me when I say it hurts
me more. I have the burden of your hurt plus that of my own; the pain of not being able to show my true feeling toward you.
I am not writing this for the
months you served in Vietnam, but for the many years, you were left alone with only your brother Veterans. You served proudly
and it went unmentioned.
For a long time, I've wanted
to express the words. The words an honorable Veteran needs to hear.
For a long time, I've wanted
to hold you during your times of pain.
God knows I wanted to.
And only He knows why I never
found the courage. I do not remember what I used to say; maybe I do not want to remember.
All I know is I hope that it
is not too late to give you those things now.
For years, you tried to be part
of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding.
I look back and see the demands
I placed on your shoulders when you were young. "Fight your weakness, and always show strength to others around you."
Who was I to make such a demand?
I sit here with tears in my heart,
finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned.
My inability to say the words
that I know would have meant so much to you.
"Welcome Home."
You served your country honorably.
Please hear these words now,
from my heart. Please give me a chance to be part of your world now. The world I should have been part of long ago.
Love,
America
The letter has brought warm tears to the eyes
of many... both Givers and Receivers.
( Besides being given to
family and friends, The Letter has been given to homeless Vietnam Veterans, used during PTSD therapy sessions and sadly,
even been placed in caskets of Vietnam Veterans. )
| "Dear Vietnam Veteran" Letter
& Unit Stationary |
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Please cut, paste, enlarge & print. (For non-financial reasons.) |
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1st
CAV |
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1st
Marines |
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101st
Screaming
Eagles |
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Air Craft Carrier |
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Please cut, paste, enlarge
& print. (For non-financial reasons.) |
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173rd Airborne |
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82nd Airborne |
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3rd Marines |
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Please cut, paste, enlarge
& print. (For non-financial reasons.) |
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