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Veteran's Day
November 11th, 1971, was a special day to me as the day that I was delivered from Vietnam. I can remember the many days leading up to that special day, and the fears that something would happen to me at the last minute before getting out of country. Leaving the base-camp for processing out, I had already turned in my weapon and special gear and was riding in a jeep with one other person who had a 45-cal.pistol.
The deserted jungle road was especially spooky, as I remember. Many a convoy had been ambushed along that stretch of road. I thought back to the times I had travelled along that road riding on top of an armoured personnel carrier, always at the ready, always apprehensive, always expecting... yes, those were days of real fear.
On the way out of country, I passed through Pleiku, and met briefly with my older brother who had come to Vietnam later than me. I don't remember what we talked about then, but remembered his appearance. It was strange. He was sort of gaunt looking, as though something had been drained from him, and not just because of loss of weight. I can remember the hopes and prayers we exchanged. I was on the way out, but he would be staying. Certainly it was a joyful day when he finally made it out also. I had lost one of my cousins to the war. My younger brother served with the Air Force in Thailand.
A lot of my memories of Vietnam have been blanked out for one reason or another. I can still remember the faces of my buddies.
After getting out of Vietnam, I was in Okinawa for about 5 months. I can distinctly remember the loneliness of Thanksgiving that year. Being away from my wife and kids was probably one of the hardest things of serving in the military. Looking back on such things now, I can appreciate so much more the many blessings, the little things of life.
My heart goes out to my former comrades and their families and hope that this time of remembrance is as meaningful to you as to me. Let us never forget those who died to both give and preserve our freedom. Let us always remember to pray for those currently serving us and each day earnestly pray for their salvation. Let our hearts be one.
Pray for real peace; Not just for peace from war, but peace in the home and at work and where ever we are. May the peace of God which passeth understanding be with your hearts and minds to the glory of God through Jesus Christ the only Lord and our wonderful Saviour, who so freely gave his life for us. Such wonderful love! Remember that Jesus is the Lord and trust him for thy soul's deliverance from sin. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
© Copyright 2000-2004 by Richard Clark
Read about Richard's amazing encounter in Death Hill.
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