The Wall
Why Did This War Happen?46 total reviews
Comment from Sally Law
I've been meaning to come back with a six star rating before the end of the year. You write so many exceptional things it is hard to have any left over. One of my five brothers, Steve, served three tours as a Green Beret Weapons Sergeant. What a fine and brave man. I see this war differently through his eyes because he trained the South Vietnamese in Guerrilla warfare. Steve was a weapon and had three black belts: judo, karate and aikido. He survived the war, but came home to die after being exposed time and again to Agent Orange. He brought home a South Vietnamese nurse who had saved his life and he married her. He died of larynx cancer not too long after that. He absolutely hated Jane Fonda, saying" She comes in and visits thinking she's really seen it all during a photo op. She has no idea how cruel The Viet Cong were and how they used children to wage their war."
Steve was the finest soldier you could imagine. I wrote about him if you ever want to read my award winning story: Letters From Heaven's Gateway #7.
I miss him every day.
Thank you for sharing this. We have many Vietnam Veterans here on FanStory. I have personally thanked them all, I think. Please thank your friends and family members on my behalf.
Sending you my best today as always, sweet friend.
Sal XOs
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
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I've been meaning to come back with a six star rating before the end of the year. You write so many exceptional things it is hard to have any left over. One of my five brothers, Steve, served three tours as a Green Beret Weapons Sergeant. What a fine and brave man. I see this war differently through his eyes because he trained the South Vietnamese in Guerrilla warfare. Steve was a weapon and had three black belts: judo, karate and aikido. He survived the war, but came home to die after being exposed time and again to Agent Orange. He brought home a South Vietnamese nurse who had saved his life and he married her. He died of larynx cancer not too long after that. He absolutely hated Jane Fonda, saying" She comes in and visits thinking she's really seen it all during a photo op. She has no idea how cruel The Viet Cong were and how they used children to wage their war."
Steve was the finest soldier you could imagine. I wrote about him if you ever want to read my award winning story: Letters From Heaven's Gateway #7.
I miss him every day.
Thank you for sharing this. We have many Vietnam Veterans here on FanStory. I have personally thanked them all, I think. Please thank your friends and family members on my behalf.
Sending you my best today as always, sweet friend.
Sal XOs
Comment Written 18-Dec-2022
reply by the author on 18-Dec-2022
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Oh Sally, Steve was the bravest man I have ever heard of and I pray you don't take what I said in my poem wrong. I had as much respect for him and everyone who lived that was as anyone. Yes I will make sure I read and try to get to it as soon as l get done here. Hope tonight of not tomorrow.
Comment from nomi338
This is in perfect harmony with my theory that when a person with a good heart has to take the life of someone else, another human. Something bad happens to the one doing the killing. It is something they never get over completely. The fat cats who profit from war never have to suffer the ill effects of killing and destruction, so they have no problem with declaring war. God is watching and they will have to one day answer for this. Please believe me.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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This is in perfect harmony with my theory that when a person with a good heart has to take the life of someone else, another human. Something bad happens to the one doing the killing. It is something they never get over completely. The fat cats who profit from war never have to suffer the ill effects of killing and destruction, so they have no problem with declaring war. God is watching and they will have to one day answer for this. Please believe me.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you Nomi for your kind review and words! I have always believed that this was the most senseless of all wars that we have been involved in. These men didn't have a choice and they may have pulled the triggers, but it was the politicians that actually killed the victims. I'm not sure of your age, but I am 67, so I remember Vietnam more than I want to. Thank you so much for your very kind words about my poem my dear brother and friend.
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I am 79 years old. I was stationed in Okinawa Japan, 1961-1962. The place that the first US soldiers were shipped from
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Wow Nomi, I thank you so very much my big brother for your service! What branch were you in?
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I was in the US AIR Force, and I served as an Air Policeman.
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My dear brother, you just keep impressing me more.
I am so proud to be your friend as you become more dear to me every time we talk. God Bless you my friend! Would you believe that I still remember your first review to me and I thought to myself if this guy is as kind as he seems, I pray we will be friends.
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If there is any difference I pray that I may be even more than I may seem. I truly value friendships. If you want friends you have to be friendly. If someone rejects you as a friend without just cause, they are not worthy of you and you are well rid of them.
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I feel exactly the same way Nomi. My problem is that I am so emotional when I care about someone, and I have to watch myself from being overboard. However because you and just a few others are my very special friends, I can promise you that what you see with me is what you get, and there's not one one phony thing about me. Especially with my health not being the greatest, I try to repair it through honesty and hope. When I love, I love strongly. Praise the Lord. I am who I am and although my kids sometimes say Mom you are so geeky! They love hearing that their mom loves them that much. So let me tell you one more time, I love you my brother and friend.
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The feeling and sentiment is returned full measure. I treasure the day we found each other, my forever friend and sister.
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🤗
Comment from John Ciarmello
Any war holds sadness, and most do come home changed men. I don't believe the human mind is equipped for continual trauma that war brings. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's experience. Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Any war holds sadness, and most do come home changed men. I don't believe the human mind is equipped for continual trauma that war brings. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's experience. Best, JohnC
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Oooh Thank you so much John, but it was a reviewer who's husband came back and was changed. How sweet of you tho! I was only 16 but had a boyfriend who was first a POW and then killed. It was my first experience with real heartbreak. But I truly appreciate your kind review and caring comments, my dear sweet friend!
Comment from MissMerri
This is an excellent statement poem and obviously it is something you know about first hand. Your final question in each stanza makes a profound point while asking the question why did this war happen? That was such a difficult time for so many reasons. Feelings about it seemed so passionate and sometimes such passion spills over in ways that injure the innocent. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written piece and good luck in the contest. This is an excellent entry. MM
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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This is an excellent statement poem and obviously it is something you know about first hand. Your final question in each stanza makes a profound point while asking the question why did this war happen? That was such a difficult time for so many reasons. Feelings about it seemed so passionate and sometimes such passion spills over in ways that injure the innocent. Thank you for sharing this beautifully written piece and good luck in the contest. This is an excellent entry. MM
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you so much Merri for your very kind review and lovely words.
Yes, I am very passionate about this, but I was a 16 yr old girl losing her first real boyfriend toward the end of the war. And many other reasons for my feelings! Thank you again my dear friend!
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Congratulations Debi, for the great win, with this wonderful, passionate poem. I loved it. MM
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That one has another day, doesn't it? I kinda figured yours was so lovely that you would take it. But if that's so then congrats to you for second place as l felt as compassionate about yours as I did about my own...
Thank you my sweet friend!
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
Your poem and author's note reminded me once more how my brother, cousins and so many more must have felt returning home to booing crowds. My brother now battles Agent Orange cancer, one cousin died from it and another cousin died as a homeless man.
This is a poem most Vietnam Vets and family members should read. Thank you for writing it. The visual is on point and the text is clearly written. There were some spots the rhyme scheme could be a bit better, but overall well-done.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Your poem and author's note reminded me once more how my brother, cousins and so many more must have felt returning home to booing crowds. My brother now battles Agent Orange cancer, one cousin died from it and another cousin died as a homeless man.
This is a poem most Vietnam Vets and family members should read. Thank you for writing it. The visual is on point and the text is clearly written. There were some spots the rhyme scheme could be a bit better, but overall well-done.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Sandra, thank you for such lovely words and review. I am thankful that it honored you as well as so many others. I know my rhymes in that one stanza with the words "dirt, hurt and worth" maybe off a little, but it was so important to me to get my point across that guys like your brother deserved so much better. How horrible that your brother has the AG cancer now, as we have a friend who also has it. I don't know if you were aware that President Johnson owned numerous helicopter factories at the time and was getting richer everyday as our guys were fighting and being slaughtered.
I will say prayers for your brother as you have been on my prayer list as well. God Bless you my friend!
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How disgusting that Johnson made money as young GI's died. Thanks again for writing that poem. You should consider taking it to your local VFW organization.
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Thank you for that confidence in me. Maybe I will.
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Of course. The Vietnam Vets would be touched.
Comment from Ulla
Hi there. First of all I want to say that your poem was beautifully written. Now, I can't be sure which war you're writing about but I gather it's the Vietnam war. That was a bitter war indeed and it left so many scars. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Hi there. First of all I want to say that your poem was beautifully written. Now, I can't be sure which war you're writing about but I gather it's the Vietnam war. That was a bitter war indeed and it left so many scars. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Yes Ulla, it was about Vietnam. Unfortunately the beautiful wall doesn't tell of how some politicians got rich because of it and certainly doesn't bring back any of those precious sons, brothers or grandsons. Not like WWll that actually had a purpose for our freedom. Thank you my friend for your lovely review and comments.
Comment from Verna Cole Mitchell
This really is excellent-so many questions asked that only God can answer, and thought it was so terrible, He understood. Good luck with this in the contest.
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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This really is excellent-so many questions asked that only God can answer, and thought it was so terrible, He understood. Good luck with this in the contest.
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Verna, Thank you so much for your very kind review and comments of the Wall. I agree Verna. I do love that God allows us to get angry but never wants us to stay there, or to do so without forgiveness.
I received this review today, and it saddened me so that altho we know this, but don't think about it enough. She gave her permission to share this.
I now added this to my authors notes but also wanted to show the ones who have already read the poem.
My husband was drafted in that era. A war they called a conflict. He came back a different man. From the time he came home until his death, he was different. It was hard staying married to him. However, I knew the good part of him was deep within. Thank you for the awareness. 25-Jun-2022
Comment from GARY MACLEAN
I am a Viet Nam vet and I understand the frustration and confusion you so eloquently expressed in your verse. A war without reason truly doesn't make sense.
Very nice!
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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I am a Viet Nam vet and I understand the frustration and confusion you so eloquently expressed in your verse. A war without reason truly doesn't make sense.
Very nice!
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Hi Gary, I think I knew that you were a Vietnam Veteran and I was hoping you would review as I was wondering if you were one of the so many that was treated so horribly by some groups or people? I remember the hippies from back then but I think that they were mostly in Calif. Also thanks for the very kind review of the Wall.
Comment from estory
What I liked about your piece is that it spoke for the tortured, confused, abused generation of soldiers who fought in that war and endured the less than accepting society that treated them as paraihas for decades. They were trully victims of this society and this feeling of shattered dreams and a stolen youth undermines that whole generation. estory
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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What I liked about your piece is that it spoke for the tortured, confused, abused generation of soldiers who fought in that war and endured the less than accepting society that treated them as paraihas for decades. They were trully victims of this society and this feeling of shattered dreams and a stolen youth undermines that whole generation. estory
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Thank you so much for your very kind review and comments of the Wall.
I received this review today, and it saddened me so that altho we know this, but don't think about it enough. She gave her permission to share this.
I now added this to my authors notes but also wanted to show the ones who have already read the poem.
My husband was drafted in that era. A war they called a conflict. He came back a different man. From the time he came home until his death, he was different. It was hard staying married to him. However, I knew the good part of him was deep within. Thank you for the awareness. 25-Jun-2022
Comment from Mary Vigasin
A thoughtful and heartfelt poem looking for an answer where unfortunately none make sense. I have seen the wall and found a childhood friend.
Good luck in the contest.
Best wishes
Mary
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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A thoughtful and heartfelt poem looking for an answer where unfortunately none make sense. I have seen the wall and found a childhood friend.
Good luck in the contest.
Best wishes
Mary
Comment Written 25-Jun-2022
reply by the author on 25-Jun-2022
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Mary, Thank you so much for your very kind review and comments of the Wall...I received this review today, and it saddened me so that altho we know this, but don't think about it enough. She gave her permission to share this.
I now added this to my authors notes but also wanted to show the ones who have already read the poem.
My husband was drafted in that era. A war they called a conflict. He came back a different man. From the time he came home until his death, he was different. It was hard staying married to him. However, I knew the good part of him was deep within. Thank you for the awareness. 25-Jun-2022
Thanks again my friend!
