Freedom & Peace - Memorial Day For a grumpy old man. And For a loving Pacifist. I am not much on words, and my views and feelings are by no means cast in stone. I have of late been (pardon the pun) fighting with the issues of Freedom and Peace, and hashing over my own convictions. Since today is Memorial Day, I would like to share my thoughts with you. I hope I do not offend any readers, because this is not my intent. Remember, while you read this, that these are my views, and I honor your view, and right to it, even more than my own! Indeed, I might even fight for it: Back in the 60's, I faced a crossroad, Peace and Pacifist, or Freedom and Old Guard. Instead of heading to Canada with many of my Surfing friends, I decided to let my Country draft me, and stand by the current Administration's decision that Communism should not be forcefully applied to other nations. It was a very hard decision, and the final deciding factor was that I was Proud to be an American, and that Our Nation was build on fighting for Freedom. I feared for my life. and could not see myself taking the life of another, so I decided to separate myself from actual combat by joining the Navy. I did this the day I got my draft notice. Unopened, I went down to the Navy Recruiting Office, and joined. Because of my background, the Navy made be a Corpsman. I was stationed on the USS Hope in Long Beach CA working on the wounded returning from Vietnam. A yearlater, I found myself attached with the US Marines 1/28th - 5th Marine Division at Camp Pendleton in 1967. I saw a lot of returning Vietnam Vets there as well, and heard the stories 1st hand of the horrors going on over there. I also watched the mounting protests here at Home. Talk about confussion among the troops. Freshly Married with a brand new baby, one night I get a call at my home, to get my a-ss back to camp ASAP! As I drove into base, everything was dark, and then I see the entire 1/28th in full battle gear out on the grinder - thousands! I was in absolute panic, my heart raced - Oh God! Many of the Corpsman did get orders to go with the 1/28th, but I got orders to be with the 1/27th which were already in Veitnam. I went home, got my affairs in order, kissed my wife and son goodby, and flew off still not knowing where I was headed, still sick with fear. It was not until I got to Hawaii, Kaneohe Marine Corp Air Base, which is the headquarters of the 1/27th that I got word I would stay there at the station Dispensary. Even as the explanation was given, I was still in disbelief. What? I get to live in Hawaii, while the entire World falls apart around me???????????????????? Thank You God! Even though I did not fight in Vietnam, even though I did not WANT to fight in Vietnam, my heart has always been with the soldiers that were sent there. I am still in horror as to the treatment directed at the soldiers there, and when they returned home. I think many soldiers died in that war, because of the confusion and non-support being given here at home. I think Pride in this Nation died as well! :( I have always advocated peace and love, and I have always despised violence and war. But call me a reactionist when it comes to common folk being being bullied by an elite few. I want peace for all mankind, but when it won't be given, I will fight for the freedom for it! Today I honor those that have sacrificed their lives in doing so! I continue to Pray that God will end the need for war, and to safely return our troops home. I still belive in our Nation under God, and that it is by His Grace, and the sacrifice of many fallen Soldiers that I live in a Country that affords Freedom. I vote, and continue to belive that what ever direction this Country takes, it is the result of a Democractic process. Those I vote for often do not take the path I thought they might. I may not always be part of the "in favor of". But I will still abide by that process. What other direction can I take. Sure, protest peacefully, in lines with public ordinances. Voice my opinion where ever I can - here, TV, Newspaper. Support, or even start a Political opposition Party, and get involved with those that see things the same way as myself! But, there is also a responsibility of what my action does to the foundation of the Repubic in which I stand! I feel the very fabric of our Nation being torn, by minority view. If this rip continues, I fear we will loose all. I'm not saying give up the freedom to react against what you feel is right, but I PRAY that it will be done with the intent to preserve this Great Nation. With the intent that your action are what is and will continue to Keep this Nation Great. God bless one and all!