If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.
Take what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own. And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.
Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam
I felt it was fitting "Embrace those gentle Heroes" with the words of a soldier that has gone before us. We should never lose sight of the real cost of war and always remember those that have sacraficed all of their tomorrows for our today.
The roadside explosions continue, as expected, and the voices on the radio are ever vigilent. We all hope and pray that someday we can all look back and understand why this had to be, and that someday we will all call war insane.
Thank you Elias......my heart and prayers are with our son and all of you there at FOB O'Ryan.
God speed and God Bless all of our soldiers.
Elias,
Don't know if you read these, but if so -- stop by the PERSCO tent at Camp Sather -- I'll be there in about a week....would be nice to see a hometown face....
Judy
Elias, Thanks you for all you and all the soldiers are doing for our country. Stay safe and come home soon. Please let us know if there is anything that you need.