Her visit brought about so many memories of those years. And the years in between.
Vietnam years versus today. It continues to amaze me that when someone learns that I'm a Veteran and they say "Thank you for your service" that it never fails to bring tears to my eyes. I still shy away from that simple statement of gratitude. Because I remember.
I remember being spit upon and being called a "baby killer." I remember having to be bused to the Pentagon from Ft Myer because it was too dangerous to be in uniform. I remember the nasty stares at the airport when we had to fly in uniform to get the military discount. I remember being required to dress in civilian clothes when I working in downtown Washington DC -- it was too dangerous to be seen in uniform. We were called horrific names. It was such a horrible time.
I recently saw The Post at the theater and it brought back such profound memories. Yes, I worked at the Pentagon Telecommunication Center when the Pentagon Paper came out. And when the plane hit the Pentagon on 9-11 the first thing I did was Google the location of the hit to ensure that my area was still safe.
And I've been reflecting on those times, my memories of it all, the people that I knew, the experiences that I had. Was it dark? Was it a move into the light?
Then I began reflecting on 9-11. The horror of it all, the sense of community that it brought about. I visited Ground Zero a few years ago with a dear friend, Bea. I found it profoundly moving.
Our fighting men and women today. My memories of yesterday. Trying to put it all together.
Obviously I'm babbling. But I felt a strong need to put this out there. Gary and I had lunch at a local restaurant today. The couple across the isle from us were charming and we chatted a bit about what we had ordered. He was wearing a hat that proclaimed VETERAN. I chocked on the words, "thank you for your service." Although I wanted to say that, I chocked -- because I don't think I could say all the words without tearing up -- which I didn't want to do.
When we moved to Arizona I immediately researched license plates. I've had my personalized plate in California for many years: SHON W I was thrilled when I found out that it was available in Arizona. And then I discovered that I could have that on a Women's Veteran plate -- which I immediately ordered. Then I discovered that I could have a diamond surround (thanks, Haley!)
Just so that you know: I am proud to be a Vietnam Veteran. I just don't talk about it much.
