One Day To "Thank A Vet"?

I'm really glad that our citizens are more conscious of recognizing and thanking veterans for their service to their country. There was a time this didn't happen.
The History Channel has been running a series about the Vietnam War this week. We watched one segment - Tet Offensive - An Endless War, 1968-1969 - the years Bud was there. Two veterans alternated telling what it was like while they were over there with film clips showing the fighting. They talked about camaraderie. They talked about not wanting to go, but doing their duty. They talked about staying alive and making it out when so many of their friends did not.

They told about the pride they felt arriving back in the United States - pride in their service and pride in the uniform they wore. And they told about the shock of their reception home - how no one wanted to sit next to them on the plane. How they were spat upon and called names. How they couldn't wait to shed their uniforms so no one would recognize them as returning soldiers.

Bud has never talked a lot about his year in Vietnam. Sometimes I have to listen to what he doesn't say. Two years ago, we went to one of the local Free Veterans Day breakfasts so many places are offering these days. It was a good breakfast. It was appreciated.
There is a regular group of morning coffee guys at this place. Bud heard one of them remark: "Yeah, look at all the ones who never eat here just coming in because it's a free meal." We haven't been back.

I don't think any amount of thanks now will ever make up for what happened (or didn't happen) to these veterans so many years ago. Some things can never be forgotten.