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The husband and I headed up to the State House last week to see our governor proclaim an official day of remembrance for Vietnam Veterans.
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It was a beautiful spring day with temperatures in the high 40’s.
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The ceremony took place on the third floor, known as the Hall of Flags.
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Basically because that’s where they keep them in four giant cases in the corners of the room.
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Governor Janet Mills gave a lovely speech ending with the all important thank you… and welcome home.
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After the ceremony? The husband wanted a word and waited patiently.
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I missed that photo as I was blocked by other veterans. And since they served their country? I figured I shouldn’t push them out of the way just for blog fodder.
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It was a nice day, and healing for those who needed it.
If you see a Vietnam Vet?
Welcome them home. And say thank you. It’s never too late.
❤️
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River's world..... 
Vietnam Vets. I was teaching a class and the character from the book was a Vietnam Vet. I so much wanted to find a Vietnam Vet to share their experience but I did not.
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My husband doesn’t talk about it a lot, but when he’s with other veterans the stories pour out. After hearing some of them… I know why he has nightmares.
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Yes, I was not going to find anyone to speak about the Vietnam War with my English class. Although it would have been interesting…
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Holy cow! It’s warmer where you are than it is out here in California! Nice to have a day just for the Vietnam vets – they definitely weren’t show the love they needed when returning from that particular hell hole!
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My husband was spit on at the airport. You don’t forget that…
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🫡
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The first time I visited “The Wall” and found the names of the boys I grew up with, but not grow old with, I held back the tears but for some reason when I got to the memorial for the Viet Nam war nurses I fell apart. Even now, just writing this, there is a tightness in my chest and tears in my eyes.
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I didn’t expect to be so moved by the Wall. But when you walk along in the silence… and those names rise up over your head? I lose it every time.
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I know what I am about to say is not in line with the majority, but if the politician did not serve time with the Uniform on or was the spouse/child of someone who wore the Uniform, then it is an empty gesture, just a political stunt. You had to BE A PART to understand and appreciate the difficulty of being in the military.
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True, she wasn’t there. But her brother
was and spoke as well. And while she may not have served, the thank you was still heartfelt.
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I was not there, so I will trust you on this one, but if Politicians really cared, then we would not have homeless vets or vets being denied care they desperately need. Right now, Illegal immigrants seem to get priority funding over our vets.
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I always do. I even buy them lunch on occasion.
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That’s wonderful. It means a lot.
❤️
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Wow that is awesome, and I do thank all Vets but especially the Vietnam Vets. They got a lot of crap when they came home and it wasn’t proper to be hit with such hatred. My uncle was a Vietnam Vet and he never talked about his experience there or when he came home. Glad to see it’s being recognized. Your hubs looks like he had some serious thoughts to voice.
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No, that’s just his everyday face. 🤣
He’s a serious dude.
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I couldn’t agree more. I had two uncles who served during that time. Nice to see the recognition here.
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It’s so important.
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Very nice. I’m glad your husband got to take part, not just for his own sake, but for the sake of all who couldn’t be there, living or deceased.
Coincidentally, I was at my state capitol yesterday, too. First time ever! I was with hundreds of other teachers rallying for teacher pension reform (we have the 3rd worst retirement age in the nation). I’m sorry to say the governor was not present like yours was. Then again, he’s been completely ghosting us for months (even though he’s a former teacher). Didn’t help that Biden was in town for a few hours. Kinda stole our thunder. 😦
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It was my first time on the third floor of our state house, though Maine’s is small and not overly impressive. Sorry Biden stole your thunder, although that sounds like a timely excuse for your governor.
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Yup, though I’m pretty sure he would have found a way to ignore us sans presidential visit.
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Was your husband actually in combat in Vietnam? I bet he’s got some real horror stories.
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He was… and he does.
In Recon up near the DMZ. In Hue during the Tet Offensive. The stories are awful.
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Oh, wow. Much respect to him.
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I appreciate our veterans; they are the true heroes of our time.
Much respect for your husband for all that he’s done for us. ❤️
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