A Veteran speaks his mind

The following Letter to the Editor appeared in today's Arkansas Democrat Gazette, forwarded by a friend. The author writes very eloquently why we are not at work Monday. Enjoy the day. Remember the Veterans. They have earned our respect and admiration.

A Veteran speaks his mind

I am a veteran and I'm probably different from you.

I don't hunt, because I've been the hunted and I know how it feels.

I don't own a gun, because I've seen the effects of one and I don't want to 
see it again.

I don't care what you do today, because I know that what I did yesterday 
gives you the freedom to do it. Just don't tell me it's your "right."

I've listened to non-veterans tell me "how it was" just because they once 
read a book. I kept my mouth shut, because it's rude to call someone names to his face.

I have memories you cannot and will not understand ever.

I have feelings about this country that you cannot and will not understand, either. I am a veteran.

I answered when I was called, put on a uniform, traveled away from home and did what I was told to do. I didn't hide. I didn't run. I didn't look for some excuse or some way out. I still have that uniform in a storage box and  I will put it on again if the need arises.

Some call me stupid. Some call me brave. Some call me uninformed. Some call me a hero.

I call myself a veteran, and I am different from you.

In the morning, when you see me at work, you should thank me.

In the evening, when we're in a bar together, you should buy me a drink.

On Sunday, when we're sitting together in church, you should thank our God for me.

I don't want any parades. Walking makes me tired.

I don't want any medals or ribbons. I have enough already stored in a
dresser drawer.

I don't want any monuments or memorials. They only cause controversy.

Don't call me a patriot. Don't call me a criminal. I only did what you
wanted done. I did it and you didn't.

That makes me different from you.

LEWIS M. PASSEN
Little Rock