Veterans' Day Remembered

[Guy Gravino, Sr.]

A Happy Veterans' Day to all. What follows is a piece I received from MSG John Aiello (ret) who informed me his former Team Commander, while in Vietnam, wrote while reflecting the meaning of Veternas' Day. His Commander was COL Jim Bo Gritz (ret).

I wrote to COL Gritz and asked his permission to post it on our Chapter's web site. He sent me the following with the Foreword not originally provided. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you COL Gritz.

SGM Gravino (ret)

I wrote the "thoughts after a person very close to me reminded me how stupid civilians can be at times. It was a first draft without any real thought, but I wanted my mates to know how wonderful theyu were and are! I change one expression: attached:

Thoughts of an American Soldier Upon Hearing: “Damned Veteran’s Day!”

We came because we believed; we left because we were disillusioned; we returned because we were lost; we die because we are committed.

In the beginning we fought for our nation and what the government said was right. In the end for fought for each other hoping to even the score, knowing we never would.

Today, we who are alive remember our comrades; the chest of time wherein we were valiant in our endeavor to bring honor and glory to our Flag, our Country, our Unit, and each other.

Every one was vital to America’s collective cause. We made the impossible routine; miracles on demand! Today, we’re ignoble, except to God and those of us who were there.

We were proud to serve; we knew a true love of Christ in each other. We were so young and so far away from home, yet we went where others feared to do what they wouldn’t.

Some lost lives, limbs, and liberty. We all gave a part of ourselves -- some gave all. We will never forget standing as brothers in the days of fire, anguish and hell.

Today, we are tolerated by many who will never know true life because they have never been in harm’s way. We are granted a parade-day, but to us the night is long.

Our comrades who fell, live forever through us, who will always remember.
And those who were abandoned and left behind we embrace in our every breath and heartbeat.

We are America’s warriors. We look forward to God’s Heaven having spent unending moments, hours, months, and even years in war’s unrelenting torment, and so we remember.

It isn’t easy for someone who wasn’t there to understand those who were.
But it makes no difference whether we are liked or not; there was a time we were needed and went.

For the uninitiated: don’t ever forget that when young Americans are sent to fight. They cannot be expected to return as they left. Imagine a year of white-heat where a second lasts forever.

We understand that you don’t. We accept what happened when the whole universe became a moment when, as one, we soldiers knew what only warriors know --

So I feel no remorse for being me. Horizontal or vertical it makes no difference, God graced me and my buds to be GIs like our Dads and Amer-I-Cans who paid your price of freedom.

I look forward to joining them; watching over you that evil will not win.
I’m honored to be called to serve God’s Heavenly kingdom come to earth -- America and you!

Thanks for this Veteran’s Day. Hug a Vet, look them square in the eye and
say: “Thank you for your service and Welcome Home!” It’s the Only recognition we desire or need.

Remember: A warrior never dies unless forgotten. Some of us look like we’re still fighting the war -- some of us are. You can help lost Vets by seeing them as they were -- Heroes Once!

[John J Coppinger]

4gvs89tI serverd with John Aiello in Vietnam and also with Bo Gritz I pray for the safe return of all our servicemen and women in harms way. May God Bless all who served. John Coppinger B-36 Mobile Guerrilla Force 67 68

[Guy Gravino, Sr.]

I couldn't agree with you more John. Thanks for posting your thoughts.

Although I don't believe we've met I do know John Aeillo and have much respect for the man. Take care my friend. G2