Winning? Losing?

Vietnam Veterans didn't lose the war in Vietnam. They fought and they killed and they died and they served but they didn't lose. That is - until they came home. As long as they were in Nam, they were doing their duty and counting down the days until they came back to the U.S. Most of them didn't like being over there (I know some did but they were a rare breed) and there was a good possibility that they didn't agree with why they were there. But that wasn't their call. It never is. There's not a person that has ever fired a shot in self defense that has wanted to have to do it (not once it is actually taking place anyway - a lot of people have Romantic dreams of combat being stage lights and background music on the silver screen but that dissipates quickly). Though, at the same time, not every life taken was with regret. But my point is: We (America) won every major battle in Vietnam. We lost thousands to booby-traps and ambushes but we had a decent handle on the day-to-day. But that's not what it's all about. Winning and losing comes down to coming home and picking up the pieces. America didn't let this happen. These Vets were spit on, harrassed, cussed, and had cups of urine thrown in their faces. And they watched as the symbol of the freedom they were told they were fighting for was burned in the streets - with nothing they could do. That was what they looked forward to while at war. That was what their hope equalled. Many Veterans still pay for the selfishness this country offered when they came home. Many bright young Vets came home and got stuck in dead-end jobs because they couldn't bring themselves to go to college and live the life along side of their "peers". Many still don't understand this country. And this country for sure will never understand them. It's a different world, ladies and gentlemen. Remember this: Most people don't get very excited about protesting wars. But you should see them jump when the idea of a draft comes along. One more thing . . . Winning and losing? Only Generals and Presidents win wars. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines always lose out. Thank you, Veterans. I don't know what else to say.

from someone too young to know