My guest today wrote an all-encompassing description of a veteran – could be any of us – well worth reading.
We left home as teenagers for an unknown adventure. We loved our country enough to defend it and protect it with our own life. We said goodbye to friends and family and everything we knew. We learned the basics and then we scattered in the wind to the far corners of the Earth.
I want to thank you for saying what was on my mind and in my heart but never get the chance to say it. I just finally signed up for American Legion so I can be with fellow veterans and share the good times. It took a while, at 66 years old and some of the guys I served with are already gone. It’s more important than ever to tell our stories so the next generation can hear them. I’m from a family of veterans that served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. My grandpop served in North Africa and my great uncle Don climbed the cliffs of Omaha beach and took a round in the process. He survived.
So thank you again and God bless America.
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It is a good article. I’ve come to appreciate this column more since the pandemic. To others “in search of the meaning” of our service. I’d recommend two books: Karl Marlantes’ “What It Is Like To Go to War”, and Lewis B. Puller, Jr’s “Fortunate Son”. They are the best, and most helpful to me when trying to understand the killing, guilt, and sacrifices those with severe mental and physical injury as a result of serving there.
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My brother sent me this website to check out. Thanks Dave! I don’t usually comment too much on things, but this hit home all the way thru. Thanks to you all for making me feel good then, & even more so today. I’ve never been prouder to say I’m a Veteran, & so Damn glad I am!!!
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Love you Bro and thanks to all the vets for their sacrifices!
I knew you would love this site as I have.
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“Perfect!” this old man said with a tear in my eye. Thanks.
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Well written and very true. Good times, bad times and fun times. I classify fun times different from good times. Fun times, let it all hang out!!
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It’s remembering the good times and the close calls that helped me to stay sane after the war.
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LOVE THIS VERY WELL WRITEN SAID
M Dutil-Morin http://www.we-r-unique.ca (not .com!) French Genealogy
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Well written Years ago we ‘Nam vets sorta hid!
The American people did’nt take too well to us! We will never get the respect we earned or the or the Welcome Home we deserved. We did’nt hide nor run…We were not professional students nor did we go north, WE WENT! Bless all of you and Welcome Home brothers.
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Thanks for sharing!…a good read to begin my day. Currahee!
On Sun, Aug 16, 2020, 2:07 PM CherriesWriter – Vietnam War website wrote:
> pdoggbiker posted: ” My guest today wrote an all-encompassing description > of a veteran – could be any of us – well worth reading. by Walt Ritter We > left home as teenagers for an unknown adventure. We loved our country > enough to defend it and protect it with our ow” >
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Understated truth. Very nice and much appreciated.
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Thanks.
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Thank you well said
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Well written and speaks volumes for most
Vets including me.
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Well said Walt. That pretty much says the way I see it. We are a select few amount the population today. You put your life up for risk to defend our way of life here in the greatest country on the planet. Thank you all my fellow veterans.
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Thank you for your Service
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This is a great article it really warmed my heart and made me think about all my Nam buddies those here and those on the other side!! Thanks Walt well written and extremely appreciated by I’m sure all of us Vets!! I salute you buddy!!!
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Very well written … it really describes all of us Veteran from oh so many wars and conflicts …
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I enjoyed reading an article that was non-political and so well written and nicely to the point. Thank you and thank you for your service.
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It says it all. So proud to be part of this. Jerry Beach
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Thank You for you moving description of what it means to be a Veteran,your article gave me a lump in my throat,that doesn’t happen to this old Nam Vet much anymore,again, Thank You!
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Nicely said. As the “golden years” are upon me, I often reflect on my military years with great pride and find that my closest friends are veterans who share that “unspoken bond”. It’s comforting to be amidst those who’ve seen and experienced what I’ve seen and experienced.
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I knew a Chevrolet salesman on south beach named Walt Ritter. Not you right ?
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Good article. Thank you
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