TeufelHunden
07-15-02, 05:45 PM
...Saw these posted on the Web a few months back & I thought I'd post it here - So you know - I echo the sentiments.
__________________________________________________
A POEM BY ROGER HEARD
Upon this honored wall of stone,
You're together again and not alone
Together you laughed, together you cried,
Together you fought, together you died
Together you stand in history,
Upon this wall for all to see
Each name evokes a young man's face,
A warrior that stood to take his place
To fight and die for liberty,
So others could live a life that's free
If there's a place where heroes stand,
Surely you've gone to join their band
You've left the horrors of war behind,
And crossed death's bridge to hopefully find
The peace denied you in this life,
Of endless wars and constant strife
Together you walk with head held high,
No storm clouds gather to darken your sky
The black man, red man, brown and white,
Will walk as one, no more to fight
You are not forgotten and will never be,
This stone bears witness for all to see
Each one of you made the sacrifice,
And paid with life, the ultimate price
Each one that died left a few of us here,
To show the world with a fallen tear
We'll never forget and always stand true,
To the memory of each one of you
As long as there's life within my breast,
I'll take my place and stand with the rest
And when it's my time to leave this land,
I hope you'll welcome me to your hero's band.
Roger Heard Sgt USMC 1966-70
__________________________________________________
A LETTER FROM AMERICA
Dear Vietnam Veteran,
I know I should have written much sooner.
I can't say why I did not. Out of fear of admitting to myself, you were there, fighting a war. Or maybe ashamed. Ashamed that I never accepted the things you felt you had to do.
Whatever it is, I know how it must hurt. Believe me when I say it hurts me more. I have the burden of your hurt plus that of my own. The pain of not being able to show my true feeling towards you.
I am not writing this for the months you served in Vietnam, but for the many years, you were left alone with only your brother Veterans. You served proudly and it went unmentioned.
For a long time, I've wanted to express the words. The words an honorable Veteran needs to hear. For a long time, I've wanted to hold you during your times of pain.
God knows I wanted to. And only He knows why I never found the courage. I do not remember what I use to say; maybe I do not want to remember.
All I know is I hope that it is not too late to give you those things now.
For years you tried to be part of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding...
I look back and see the demands I placed on your shoulders when you were young. "Fight your weakness, and always show strength to others around you."
Who was I to make such a demand? I sit here with tears in my heart; finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned. My inability to say the words that I know would have meant so much to you.
"Welcome Home." You served your country honorably.
Please hear these words now, from my heart. Please give me a chance to be part of your world now. The world I should have been part of long ago.
Love,
America
__________________________________________________
A POEM BY ROGER HEARD
Upon this honored wall of stone,
You're together again and not alone
Together you laughed, together you cried,
Together you fought, together you died
Together you stand in history,
Upon this wall for all to see
Each name evokes a young man's face,
A warrior that stood to take his place
To fight and die for liberty,
So others could live a life that's free
If there's a place where heroes stand,
Surely you've gone to join their band
You've left the horrors of war behind,
And crossed death's bridge to hopefully find
The peace denied you in this life,
Of endless wars and constant strife
Together you walk with head held high,
No storm clouds gather to darken your sky
The black man, red man, brown and white,
Will walk as one, no more to fight
You are not forgotten and will never be,
This stone bears witness for all to see
Each one of you made the sacrifice,
And paid with life, the ultimate price
Each one that died left a few of us here,
To show the world with a fallen tear
We'll never forget and always stand true,
To the memory of each one of you
As long as there's life within my breast,
I'll take my place and stand with the rest
And when it's my time to leave this land,
I hope you'll welcome me to your hero's band.
Roger Heard Sgt USMC 1966-70
__________________________________________________
A LETTER FROM AMERICA
Dear Vietnam Veteran,
I know I should have written much sooner.
I can't say why I did not. Out of fear of admitting to myself, you were there, fighting a war. Or maybe ashamed. Ashamed that I never accepted the things you felt you had to do.
Whatever it is, I know how it must hurt. Believe me when I say it hurts me more. I have the burden of your hurt plus that of my own. The pain of not being able to show my true feeling towards you.
I am not writing this for the months you served in Vietnam, but for the many years, you were left alone with only your brother Veterans. You served proudly and it went unmentioned.
For a long time, I've wanted to express the words. The words an honorable Veteran needs to hear. For a long time, I've wanted to hold you during your times of pain.
God knows I wanted to. And only He knows why I never found the courage. I do not remember what I use to say; maybe I do not want to remember.
All I know is I hope that it is not too late to give you those things now.
For years you tried to be part of my world. Doing everything to please me, just to be noticed and given a little time and understanding...
I look back and see the demands I placed on your shoulders when you were young. "Fight your weakness, and always show strength to others around you."
Who was I to make such a demand? I sit here with tears in my heart; finally admitting to myself the one weakness you must have seen in me and never questioned. My inability to say the words that I know would have meant so much to you.
"Welcome Home." You served your country honorably.
Please hear these words now, from my heart. Please give me a chance to be part of your world now. The world I should have been part of long ago.
Love,
America