Important day to thank a veteran.

[Raineman]

Here is a link to my post on YBR. I figured nobody would mind a link to such an important subject. :usa:

http://mb14.scout.com/fravensinsider...ID=47883.topic

[Mista T]

Special thanks to board members Crowdog, TopperK, Sykesville Ravens Fan, Trap, and Ravenous52 (two tours in Iraq already), and other American vets. God Bless you for your service to this great country.

:usa:

[POPSinPA]

Gunships


Guilt for not getting there to save some
For having to leave station too soon and loosing more
For not killing more of them to save more of us
For living while they all died
For leaving comrads without cover, while I went home
For forgetting the names of my friends who died
For turning away from those who meant so much to me in Nam after our return
Bcause they knew me too well.

Only now am I able to begin to mourn for those I couldn't cover.
For my enemy, whom I killed and whom I can now think of as other men.
For my friends lost to my isolation.

We were boys revelling in the terrible power of our gunships
Alive and living by our wits and skills
Knit close in our dependency to each other yet alone in his fears
And unable to show them to anyone.
Not even his wingman.
Not able to ask for help and support from anyone.
Not even his wingman.
Alone.

After returning home, forced by a country that didn't care
To put all these things away, to collect interest.
So that now, when debts must finally be paid
The price is so very dear.
Costing friends, a wife and years without living fully
And doing it without the cover of a wingman.
Alone.

Only now, almost 40 years later, I'm learning that I have feelings.
The first to come are hurt for all the losses, past and present,
And fear that people will turn away in horror and disgust
If they see the real me without all my defenses in place,
A killer without absolution.

I don't wish to forget
I only want to be rid of the guilt
and be comfortable with the memories, good and bad.
By starting to mourn
I start down a path that will allow me to forgive myself
And make it unimportant that this country failed to bring it's soldiers home.
I will bring myself home.
Not alone, but with the help of others who were there
We'll bring each other home.

[corvuscorax]

My Most Sincere Thanks to all who ever served, in war or in peace.