On the 8th of November the angels were crying,
As they carried his brothers away.
With the fire raining down and the hell all around,
There were few men left standing that day.
- Big & Rich
.
I’ve never heard of Big & Rich, nor have I heard their song 8th of November, until today. I’m damned glad that I did.
As a card carrying member of the American Legion, I recieve their magazine monthly, and truth be told, I enjoy reading it. There are usually one or two outstanding articles written by veterans that make for thoughtful contemplation on my part; this month’s periodical was no different.
Retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel George Allen wrote an article about his return to America from Vietnam some 37 years ago.
When I deplaned in Los Angeles, following flights from Vietnam and Okinawa, all I saw were mini-skirts. Later that day, when I exited a plane in Philadelphia, all I saw was my lovely wife, Carolyn. And that night, wanting an evening alone together, we were refused service at a hotel restaurant in Radnor, PA, because I was wearing my Marine uniform with combat ribbons. Such was my homecoming in 1969.
None of this prepared me for what happened last Christmas Eve, in a pharmacy on the south side of Indianapolis. I’d gone to buy some last-minute stocking items for my wife and her mother. After I asked a clerk, who turned out to be the store manager, for help finding an item, she noticed the gold U.S. Marine Corps emblem on a chain around my neck. She asked if we could talk.
Turns out her son is an airman in the U.S. Air Force, probably heading for Iraq, and she’s very proud of him and the man he’s become. But 38 years ago she was a university student in Indiana and actively demonstrating against the Vietnam War, believing it wrong and believing most of what was said about those of us who fought it. Nothing happened in her life during the next three decades to change those views. Then her son enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. When she saw him graduate from basic training and heard him talk of military service as a patriotic duty to his country, she realized there are indeed many men and women, over the years, who have been - and continue to be - willing to risk their lives in service to their country. Her son, her own flesh and blood, was now one of them.
So now, 33 years following the official end of the Vietnam War, she wanted an opportunity not necessarily to thank a veteran but to ask forgiveness from one, for her misguided passion all those years ago. I was to be her veteran
As a Soldier, I respect the hell out of our Vietnam Veterans, though I can’t help but wonder how the rest of our society views these patriotic men and women. LTC Allen hits the nail on the head, and I’m glad that he took the time to share this story with us. Sgt Hook out.
One of my co-workers is a military brat. She remembers returning home from overseas with her family, and the ugly reception that her Father (in uniform) received. Her story cannot be unusual, either. I am so very glad that this woman chose LTC Allen to speak with - and that the story made it through you to us. I am also very happy for the woman herself - for the honesty to admit her error, for the generosity to share her conversion with LTC Allen, for trying to make amends. And I wish her son the very best in his Air Force career as well.
BTW - I forgot to mention that I had only recently heard of Big & Rich as well. They were listed by a friend of mine as being among the music he enjoyed listening to while riding in helos on the way to drops
Thanks for the video. I know that I also respect the vets of Nam. In all honesty, when I was a young man much of my information of what was going on in Nam was through the MSM. Even then, I knew that we had to support those men.
However, as I have gotten older, I realize even more what these vets did in Nam. Little can make up for the hate-filled reception they received those many years ago; but what I can do is shake a hand, and thank them for their service.
I abhor the fact that veterans of today’s wars are receiving the same treatment. True, it is probably not as common as back then, but there are those cases. We owe a debt that we can never completely repay to these man and women who served in Nam, but those who are serving today. It is a shame those who despise these veterans don’t realize it is the same veterans that are making it possible to vent hate-filled speech.
The treatment received by the VietNam Veterans, of which I only heard, is the main reason I’m so thankful for the internet this time around. In my part of the country, we supported them wholeheartedly but had no way to let them know, unless we knew someone serving. I wrote letters to a cousin my age (career Army) who never made it back, but didn’t know any others. I did the same in the Korean War (Conflict, if you will) to my uncle and a buddy of his who didn’t receive mail. We didn’t have the internet, AnySoldier, SoldiersAngels, etc. My heart just broke for those guys who sacrificed so much for a seemingly ungrateful and spiteful nation. I appreciate this story, Sgt.
Big & Rich performed this song at the Memorial Day Concert in DC (one of the few times I make sure my TV is on) this year and the Veteran for whom they wrote the song (he’s in the video, too) was introduced from the audience. It was really awesome.
Comment by MissBirdlegs in AL — 1 December 2006 @ 0020
[…] My father is a Veitnam Veteran and stories like this make me understand what he had to deal with. […]
When I made the decision to go on active in 1973, I got treated like S***. This was from some of my high school classmates. OK, it was 33 years ago. yeah Right.
A couple of weeks on Veterans day I wore my medals at a minor league hockey game. ONE Man Shooked my hand and said thank-you.To him I was grateful. To the rest: Kilo-Mike-Bravo-Sierra-Alpha.
brav
Comment by Glenn M. Cassel, AMH1(AW), USN, RETIRED — 1 December 2006 @ 0529
The way that we as Americans have treated returning Vets from both Vietnam and the current conflict is unacceptable. While I am a technical vet of Desert storm/Desert Shield, and I did serve in Kuwait but never had to jump the boarder. I feel ashamed at what some of my fellow University students did to vets that returned. But oddly the Americans that I have met over here in Europe tend to be a lot more supportive of the troops.
For example while in Amsterdam with a bunch of Army buddies, Medics, we had a few of our meals paid for by Americans on tour. It was so nice to see that at least some Americans are supportive, now if not before.
To all vets that war slighted when they returned from the field of battle, I thank you and wish you all the best. And hope that at some time you can forgive the uniformed that attack you for doing what needs to be done.
While I’m glad this woman saw the light, I find it appalling that it took her 38 years and something personally touching her life for her to realize it. Grrrrrr.
Hook wrote: “though I can’t help but wonder how the rest of our society views these patriotic men and women.”
I think most of our society recognize how wrong and horrible it was. Our troop support ranks are full of people who do, and who are committed to not let that happen again. However I am sure there are people out there still, like the woman in the story, who just never took the time to think about it until it touched their own life directly.
From my experience, I believe our society is ashamed. Ashamed at their behavior. Ashamed at how they behaved. Those people that hated and were cruel. Even those that just stood by and watched never saying anything. Usually when shame is involved we turn away. I knew a vietnam vet in college. He still struggled with the hate he received when he came “home.” Through the Patriot Guard, I have had the opportunity to meet many Vietnam Vets. My first instinct is to give them a hug, I want to say I am sorry, even though I was born in 1964 and didn’t involve myself in the hate mongering. I wonder; Would they think I was condescending them, would they be uncomfortable if I did that? What can one do to erase the years of pain, and the terrible things people did.
Thank You for sharing that story. It is heartening to know people are trying to repair the damage done.
I have The 8th of November as my ring tone. Why? Well, my son is at Basic. Doing what he needs to do to serve our country and protect us. I also think the more people that hear it, the more people will think about it. The bravery and sacrifice of our Armed Forces. The bravery and honor of our Vietnam Vets. It is past time to repair the damage, it is time to truly welcome them home. Also my first adopted soldier sent me His Airborne patch as a momento. I have never been prouder or felt more honored.
I remember the return well. I processed through the base in California and headed to the airport. I bought a ticket to Detroit looking forward to seeing my wife. I flew to Detroit and purchased a ticket on a limo to get closer to home. I rode for 1 1/2 hours on that limo to a restaurant. I went inside and used a payphone to call my wife to come get me. I stood outside the restaurant in my greens with my duffle bag for 1/2 hour waiting, watching people go in and out. In all that time, the only people who spoke to me were the ticket agents! Some welcome home, huh? And to this day, the only people I have heard thanks from are other soldiers–vets and current duty. But about 3 years ago I decided being bitter about it wasn’t worth it—I’m proud of my Vietnam service! And I make sure to say “Thanks” to every serving soldier and vet I run into! Its the least I can do!!
I was eleven years old when my brother was serving in the Air Force and assigned to Viet Nam. I came home from school more than once during his tour with black eyes, split lips from fights I got into with the other kids who called him a “baby killer.”
Perhaps we are not giving today’s returning vets all that they deserve, but at least they are not being held responsible for the decisions made by those far, far above their realm of control.
The song by Big & Rich, “The 8th of November” is a very moving tribute to the Viet Nam vets, and it is wonderful to see that two singers who are so young can pay tribute to those who were condemned by their fellow countrymen.
I would like to add that by brother retired from the Air Force, as did I.
I am siting here thinking of my boy…his buddies…all the “buddies”…men serving their country. I had this song on a CD I “made” for his Grammie….who worries herself sick for him. First of all….Thank You Sir….a mighty thank you..with the utmost respect. My boy…enlisted at 17…left for Iraq at 18….is a Proud American! Thank you all…service men and women who have served and supported this great country! God Bless America…Land that I love! A mom of an infantryman.
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In view of a recent tendency to identify characters in fiction with real people, it seems proper to state that there are no real people in this volume: both the characters and their names are ficticious. The names or designations of any military units are ficticious. There are no living people nor existing military units presented in this book.
-Ernest Hemingway
Halfway down the road to hell,
In a shady meadow green,
Are the souls of all dead troopers camped
Near a good old-time canteen.
And this eternal resting place
Is known as Fiddler's Green.
-Author Unknown
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