WE SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER FOR THEM

There are military personnel that have gone through
Hell and back, and ended up with maimed or missing
Limbs, PTSD, and TBI's.  Some even kill themselves
Because of the horrors their minds keep reliving.

W have all kinds of programs to help our
Vets, housing, Wounded Warriors, therapy-
Both physical and mental, groups with other
Vets so they can talk about their stories.

Both WWI and WWII and the vets we have
Now are welcomed home with love and pride,
And kindness.  But the veterans of one war--
Just as bad, were spit on and despised.

I was in school during the Vietnam War.
I remember hearing news reports about
Cambodia, the use of Napalm and Agent
Orange.  The fall of Saigon, getting people out.

I remember seeing news reports of men
Burning their draft cards, or going to
Canada to avoid the draft.  I remember college protests
Against the war become violent, and the photos too.

These soldiers were doing the same thing our other
Vets have done.  But it was an unpopular war, so
Instead of welcomes, they were beaten, called derogatory
Names, had things thrown at them and were spit on too.

They came home from war the same as the other
Veterans did-but they were made to feel despised
And unwelcome in their own country  They needed
Help for PTSD, TBI's and other injuries.  How many suicides?

It's sad that the Vietnam Veterans had to suffer
Before we wised up that they are humans too
And deserve respect and honor and love from us.  They
Did their duty, just like vets from WWI and WWII.