Vietnam vets will be there

To Desert Storm veterans: There are many of us Korea and Vietnam veterans who have not gone to greet you at the airport. You may be wondering why. Is it because we resent you or feel that what you have done is not worthy of praise?

No, that’s not the reason; sure, there is some bitterness — but not toward you. It’s sort of like growing up in an alcoholic family where you were abused and neglected. Then, after you leave home, your parents get some counseling and you’re happy for them, but there is still some resentment.

The reason we don’t come to greet you is because you don’t need us yet. When the confetti is swept from the airport carpets and all the yellow ribbons have rotted off the trees, we’ll be there. When your family and friends start to wonder why you act differently, we’ll be there. When you spend all your energy trying to push away memories that won’t leave, we’ll be there. When the same people who pat you on the back now roll their eyes and call you a “crazy vet,” we’ll be there. When you need us, brother and sister veterans, reach out — and we’ll be there for you. Bob Daisey Korea and Vietnam Veterans Wednesday Night Veterans Rap Group Bangor