from a friend

Saturday, March 29, is a very obscure holiday for most Americans and one that I would like to bring to your attention. March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day.

As a combat veteran of the war in Vietnam I want to urge you to seek out one of our aging band, pat him or her on the back, shake his or her hand, and tell him or her that you appreciate the sacrifice that he or she made for your country and your freedom.

Believe me, the veterans of that little understood conflict appreciate any recognition of their service to their country. After all we received little or no recognition at the time, coming home to ridicule from both ends of the political spectrum, after putting our lives and sanity on the line so that the other citizens of our country could live a free and comfortable life.

So seek out a relative, friend, co-worker, or maybe just the old guy down the block. Take him or her aside and tell him or her that you care that he or she put his or her life on the line so that you could live in relative security and freedom.

Please pass this along to someone that might need a little reminder that freedom isn't free.

If you can read this thank a teacher. If you are reading this in English, thank a veteran.