"It is the soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And who's coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."
Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier,
Who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And who's coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protestor to burn the flag."
Father Denis Edward O'Brien, USMC
above quote and picture found at Trailor Trash
via: awschade.com
[AW Schade; a Marine, Vietnam 1966/67, retired corporate executive and author of the award winning book, “Looking for God within the Kingdom of Religious Confusion.” A captivating, comparative, and enlightening tale that seeks to comprehend the doctrines and discord between and within Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Secularism. What the seeker discovers, transforms his life forever!] The Demons of War are Persistent
My name is Schade: I am a Vietnam Veteran with PTSD
By A.W. Schade
Some manage the Demons onslaught successfully
Others ignore the stealth domination of their soul
Many consider themselves cowards, should they concede to the Demons hold
Countless live in denial and loneliness; protecting a warriors pride
Millions survive in destitution, or find solitude through social disconnection
Sadly, most will interweave within these emotional conflicts throughout their lifetime; attempting to fight the Demons’ on their own
As the most vulnerable, too often, choose to ‘end’ their lives; tormented by guilt, and forever alone
AW Schade, USMC; Vietnam; 1966/67
Prelude
Forty years have passed since my deployment as a combat Marine to Vietnam. Like many veterans of war, the “Demons” have haunted me through nightmares, altered personas, and hidden fears.
The purpose of this story is to help veterans of all eras recognize that there is no longer a need to fight the “Demons of War” alone. Civilian and VA health communities understand the psychological transformation that haunts veterans. It is no longer a dishonor, nor are you less of a warrior, should you seek medical assistance from within or outside the military. It has taken me more than two years to complete this personal message. It forced me to muster memories of my past—grudgingly—in an attempt to glance back through the cloak of shadows I weaved alone for so many years.
Please take a few moments to read this story, before your future becomes a reflection of my past, and those of countless veterans of every war. For over time the “Demons” may intensify in your mind, until they control your thoughts, and eventually imprison your soul. read the rest.
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