The Price of Freedom

You armed, trained and helped to rebuild villages for a simple people with a simple way of life and you want them to do handstands? My people have a history of choosing their battles and fighting them to the terrible end without the aid of powerful allies, with a spirit that would make even you proud. Do you suppose it would be easier to focus on a battle when your family is out of range from the nearest blast? I'm sure you've seen your share of bloodshed, but was it your mothers', brothers', sisters'?....I can just hear you say "Well that's war." And "blame", there is no blame to speak of: only shame on both our parts as we are here together in this wonderful country, and you are embarrassed to say you needed help, you accepted help, and you solicited it, with a promise. Our eyes turned to the ground because we want to be free, are simple people, didn't want to die....But Shhh! Proud Soldier, don't let the rest of the world know this.... You did what you were told and you did it well. I'm glad that you are home and safe. I have nothing but love for all the names on the Wall. And I am glad I am here with you. Know that the price of our freedom, the freedom of the Hmong people, is yet to be determined as we write to the sparse survivors who were too distant in blood to come with us and who's fighting father's died and could not be claimed as legitimate government obligations. It pains me to see the look in my father's eyes as he tells me what a great country this is, and has sorrow in his heart because the nation's back is turned in regards to his efforts and the efforts of many, many others.