So proudly he served, so valiantly he fought for his country.
So very young he went marching off to war with the words of his immigrant father ringing in his ears “this country took us in gave us shelter, granted us the American dream if this country calls you, you drop everything and you go fight for her”.
So off he went and fought.
It was an ugly time, so much death for one so young, so much screaming, crying, pain filled times.
His time in country ended, alive he was looking forward to returning home.
Pictures in his head of returning ww2 servicemen, being hailed as heroes.
This was not to be for him.
Why is everyone so angry with me he asked himself? I did what I was asked to do.
I fought the enemy, did what I was told,
Separated now, he looked for a job, with his limited education he knew it was not going to be easy, but he told himself “I am a war vet” it will be easier.
He filled out applications, proudly printing the words, served, marines, war vet on the paper of applications.
No takers, he was frantic now, could not get work after so many times trying, people looked at his as if he was a rabid dog.
Finally in desperation he turned to crime, selling marijuana, something he considered harmless, but was still a crime to do.
This once proud vet turned bitter to his country, refused to stand when the national anthem was played, refused to honor his country at the pledge of allegiance.
Drugs and crime became this mans life, the years passed, he was successful at his life of crime, ashamed of himself, his country and the people of his country.
Finally he made a small legal business for himself, never speaking the words “I am a war vet that proudly served his country” His business grew, he left crime behind.
He now lives in a small community, still speaking to no one about his time in hell, the friends he left behind, his nightmares.
Now he does fly the American flag proudly on those days when American flies the flag.
He still never speaks of his time of trial at war.
He is finally proud again of his county.