Thanks, M'ette...
I served back then...and strong emotions about those times.
I cannot help but feel that all who served then were "brothers", and I mourn those who gave all, though I know some were scum bags, I never had to see any of them.....
There was a time right after I returned home that I felt such anger at this country. Not like Kerry but opposite. I saw how returning vets were treated...called names, spit on...the whole range of the protest movement's hate and I felt that this country did not deserve the commitment those who served gave. I threw my duffel bag in a dumpster, uniforms, medals and all, an act I soon regretted. I was young and full of anger, not really at the Country, but at the attitude.
I wept watching the troops returning from the 1st Gulf War, so thankful they were being received as Heroes. But I felt much pain again that those from "My War" were treated so disrespectfully.
Today I see the token "we support our troops, but not the war" attitude of some politicians, but feel there is support in the populace. I know that support was there way back then too, it just never made the news....
sigh...