For those of you who are Vietnam Vets...

While I was not one of the protesters, or active taking a negative stand against you and what you were called on to do....I did not call names, or throw disgusting matter at any of you... in many ways I feel just as guilty as they should. And, I was. I was guilty of self centeredness and indifference. Though young and caught up in my own problems and life... and it seems that if it didnt directly effect me... it didn't matter. Many years have passed since then, and many things changed. Including my having done some time in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpswave March 1979-Dec.1980. As I sit and watch my children play now, I realise that they are only still able to do so because of the sacrifices amde by those before you and by you, and those after you who have done their share, and then some. I wish here to ask your forgiveness for my selfcentered indifference, though general, of my youth, when you people were returning home, and you need us to care the most. And I am trying desperately to raise my own children in a way that will not let them repeat that mistake of mine. Please, forgive me.

Joni R. Terrio


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