"SOLDIERS OF VIETNAM-WELCOME HOME!" by Jimmy Flynn, patriotic singer/songwriter. This song obviously speaks of welcoming home Vietnam veterans, but also of atonement by, and forgiveness of, we civilians. And then, hopefully, healing. Healing of our Vietnam veterans, and of our nation, so torn by that most divisive war in our nation's history, with the exception of the Civil War.

The entire song is sung from the perspective of an apologetic nation saying to you Vietnam veterans, "We're so very sorry. We should have been there for you, but we weren't. There is no excuse for that. Please forgive us. Let us atone."

Those were very difficult and confusing times back then. We were misled, ill-informed, complacent, oblivious, etc. To clarify further, I am not speaking for the scum that spat on you and called you baby killers, etc. I am speaking for myself and millions of other American civilians who were neither against you, nor proactively supportive of you. We were getting on with our lives, wishing you well and hoping no harm would come to you, but when you returned home, unless you were a relative or close friend, we did not show up in droves at the airport to salute you and give you a returning warrior's embrace and reception. No flag-waving parades. No community dinners. In retrospect, and with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, I can only say, "Shame on us! How could we not have been there for you? Our nation was at war. You were her valiant warriors. We let you down. Big time. And you've suffered from that treatment for nearly fifty years!"

Well, it's about time to change all that. It's time for healing. But the Bible tells us that without forgiveness, there can be no healing. Which means that we're asking you Vietnam veterans to fight one last courageous battle. Perhaps the toughest battle of your lives. And to emerge victorious over the demon that has been living inside many of you for all these years. How? By forgiving us. Forgive the very people who did not show up at the airport, but who now realize and acknowledge that terrible injustice, and who now beg for your understanding and forgiveness. Not for our sake. Not even because you feel we deserve it. No, forgive us for YOUR sake. So the healing can begin from inside out. Forgive us for your family's sake. For your spouse's sake. For your children's and grandchildren's sake. They need you. And dare I add -- your country needs you? But we need the whole you. Not the war-torn you that has somehow bravely survived in spite of being so emotionally wounded. We need all of you. Your family and your country need your courage, your strength, your backbone, your insight, your fortitude, your perseverance, your wisdom, your toughness, your leadership, your honor, your power. We need the pre-Vietnam war you back. We need your forgiveness. We need you to heal! Please, please allow that to happen.

Our parents were of the era known as "The Greatest Generation." True enough. But I say this: You Vietnam veterans, for proudly serving your country during a very difficult time, for every battle fought abroad and now at home, for everything you've endured during and after the war, etc., YOU TAKE A BACKSEAT TO NO ONE IN THAT REGARD! You were, are now and always will be America's finest. Nothing will ever change that.

God bless you. God bless your families who have suffered along with you all these years. And...

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

PLEASE SHARE!

~Jimmy Flynn

This and other Christian and patriotic songs can be heard/viewed/downloaded and bought at:
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