MikeH, that was a hectic time to be "in country". I was swimming for the Ft. Myers Army Base swim team, next to Arlington National Cemetery. The Casion Corp. that did the interments next door, suited up and saddled up right next to the swimming pools we raced in. I was there daily every summer from '66-'72. Watched a lot of the burials, including my Father's. I'm sure I saw some of your buddies receiving the highest honor for giving the ultimate sacrifice. Thanks for your service and I'm very glad that you survived.
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Monday 28th of May 2012 04:41:33 PM
Put my American flag outside my house in Pompano at half mast.Took a moment to reflect on my time serving (65-70) Vietnam Era,the people I went in with before and after,those who didn't come back,those who did and never were the same and the families and relatives of all the men and women who served.My Higher Power,whom I call God,allowed me to make it thru many different "WARS' and for that I am humbled and truly grateful. Just For Today ,I salute the fallen hero's and salute them. Today I remain free not only from 25 years of addiction,through the practise of spiritual principles and guidance by God in all areas of my life and giving back to the best of my ability.In memory I salute all who are fighting their own war daily and pray they will find peace.........
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Selfishness-self-centeredness! That, we think, is the root of our troubles.
Took some time for honoring the intent of the day, met my bestest friend/former fiance for a lovely time together, indulged in a sharing of extra-delicious fresh, warm apple pie with homemade vanilla ice cream, had a great cuppa java, and played with my postcard collection (lot of old NYC). Expressed gratitude for sobriety and increased mental wellness, and the few pounds I managed to lose since getting back to the gym. :)
Went to work and marveled at the zero traffic and congestion and folks being folksy and in the family way. Suffered thru a bad recently reinjured spine and then worked it out after work...feels sooo good. Sat in for a while at the annual PowWow celebration in town with my spouse and then came home and installed the plant hangers she bought to decorate the outside birdfeeder I recently built. LOL Rescued a baby Cardinal from the inside of her washing machine and just accepted it as it squawked and screamed and bit and bit my hand as I released it from it's first potential wash cycle. Put in some extra perches so the other wild finches could partake of the seed. It's all good. Spent much gratitude time for what is in my life today and acceptance time for what isn't. Thought about the warriors of my country and others who would not be celebrated in memorial, other than maybe from me; Wounded Knee, Thousand Miles of Tears, Overthrow of the Hawaiian Monarchy and many others. Course those thoughts and memorials are a daily event for me. Painful back is a result of a police assault; police of the occupying government. Grateful for the program and the power greater than myself.
