Poem from a Marine Vet

[Joe Reed]

A Long Way Home

Was going home from a war
to a new life, to a new Bride
But the young man cried
as he stood dying inside

He was leaving behind
the death, the dying, the dead
Not knowing it , though
He took them home to his bed

He has carried the wound
nearly fatal to his soul
Death, the dying, the dead
still taking their toll

Praying, struggling for hope,
fighting anguish, dispair
He has found some few
who, too, really do care

Not for him so much-but
For that which he weeps
For death, the dying, the dead
he still cries as he sleeps

Larry Garmus 24 Nov 87

Larry was in Avionics and served as a gunner with HMM 161 68/69
Posted by request.
Semper Fi
Joe

[Roth]

As we approach Veterans Day, I urge each of you to take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day which was established to honor all Veterans of United States Military Services.

I'd like to share with everyone an anonymous poem I received as an e-mail message. I also want to express my sincere appreciation to all Veterans who have provided the freedoms for the citizens of the United States of America.

It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
who has given us the right to vote.

It is the VETERAN who has actively served under the Flag, and has preserved and protected our Flag and Who is buried under that Flag that has given us our Freedom - at, in many cases, the ultimate cost!

I am grateful for your sacrifices.
I pay tribute to you on this special day.
To All...

As Veteran's Day, November 11th draws near... I have a hard time fighting those bitter sweet memories of long ago from coming to mind.

Receiving a "thank you" even today, 30+ years later means a lot to me and the rest of my Band of Brothers who came home to an empty airport and protestors in the street, ready to spit in our face.

Semper Fi, Keep the Faith....and Welcome HOME!!!