Good is a making your dream home a realty

On Veterans Day, a Vietnam vet regrets fighting for an America that’s become an intolerant bully

Written by on November 11, 2019

I did not serve — and would not do it again — just so my country could turn into a nation that would rather build walls than bridges.

My boots first stepped down on Vietnam’s soil in midsummer 1969, in between the Apollo moon landing and the Woodstock music festival. I had just wrapped up my teenage years and thought I was an adult, ready and able to face the world, full as it was with social and cultural change.

In truth, I was immature, had no clue about my future and hadn’t been toughened up by life (though I was not born into privilege). I also had no street smarts, thinking justice would ultimately prevail and the good guys would always win. Then came reality in the form of an enlistment in the U.S. Army.

I did my job diligently and learned to react instantly to bad things. They happen very fast, and they are very loud. I survived, but some of my buddies did not.

Growing up in the countryside of North Carolina, I went to public schools and was taught stereotypical, mainstream American values. By the mid-’60s, I felt pulled between what I had been taught by my parents (mind your elders; children are to be seen and not heard; if I want your opinion I’ll ask for it) and the rapid changes in music, dress, hairstyles and sexual mores, not to mention national politics, swirling around me. Even so, it was deeply instilled in me that a proper belief system had to be supported by organized religion (Christianity) and a firm belief in an afterlife. I also still had faith in the “American Way,” promoting democracy, capitalism, justice and equality for all. In short: I was naïve and ripe for harvest by our elected officials.

My ancestors can be traced back to the Virginia Colony in 1639. Some of my kin served during the American Revolution; others fought on both sides of the Civil War. My grandfather was an infantry doughboy in WWI. The draft was a fact of life for males of my generation when we turned 18, and it seemed natural and right to step up and serve. My family history led me to believe that to do otherwise was evidence of cowardice.

Image: Larry Parker, 1969, Vietnam
Larry D. Parker, Vietnam, 1969.Courtesy Larry D. Parker

When my draft notice came in 1968, there were already hundreds of U.S. troops dying each week in Vietnam. The Tet Offensive earlier that year demonstrated the determination and tenacity of our enemy. The war seemed to dominate the news, and more and more often our military’s efforts in Vietnam weren’t transmitted in a favorable light.

Frankly, I was scared as hell when I received my papers. But I never considered going to Canada or claiming to have a bone spur. I enlisted in December 1968, completed training during the first half of the next year and received my orders for Vietnam.

Related

OPINION

NFL’s Veterans Day celebrations this year reveal a staggering level of hypocrisy

Upon arrival and deployment in the field, I quickly learned one’s Military Occupational Specialty (i.e., job) didn’t mean much. I was supposed to be in military intelligence and critical communications, but that was seldom what I did. Instead, my role was to do whatever had to be done. On-the-job training only became more commonplace as troops were withdrawn under President Richard Nixon. I learned a lot, mostly that there was not a square foot of Vietnamese territory to which a booby trap, 122 mm rocket or hostile mortar could not eventually find its way. And the enemy owned the night.

Quickly, I experienced enough of the mud, blood and beer that was Vietnam to begin to doubt many things I had taken for granted as being true. From early on, it seemed clear that the long, mind-numbing days and bursts of horror were not helping bring democracy to what was a corrupt South Vietnamese government.

Related

OPINION

We want to hear what you THINK. Please submit a letter to the editor.

But I did my job diligently and learned to react instantly to bad things. They happen very fast, and they are very loud. I survived, but some of my buddies did not. I am no hero by any means. There were many that were, though. Many. I am just very fortunate to have carried out my tour and returned home in one piece. Physically, at least. My mind is a different story. I’m still working on that one.

The transition from living in a combat zone to being back home continues to this day. When I returned, no one seemed interested in my perspective or wanted to know much about what veterans like me had been through. I didn’t share my experience with anyone because almost no one asked. I never heard, “Thank you for your service” — though I’m not whining; that statement only says to me, “Glad it was you and not me.”

Related

OPINION

On Memorial Day, honor our war dead by helping those who made it home

I never had expectations of gratitude or desire for medals. I just wanted a USA that all citizens and residents could be proud of. I still do. Sadly, I do not see respect for all groups and populations that call America home. We used to be the United States of America but now we are very divided. Greed, selfishness and a sense of entitlement seem to have taken us backward regarding women’s issues, race relations, free high-quality education, stewardship of the environment, adequate health care — the list goes on and on.

Recommended

WORLDRussian hacker to be extradited to U.S. from Israel, high court rules

MORNING BRIEFINGHong Kong police shoot protester, Rep. Pete King announces retirement and ‘catastrophic’ fires in Australia: The Morning Rundown

Yet the same people (mostly old, mostly white, mostly men, mostly Christian, mostly heterosexual) continue to be elected and sent to Washington to make decisions about topics they appear to have a poor understanding of. We Boomers and Greatest Generation folks certainly haven’t seemed to learn much from our involvement in Vietnam. It’s not the millennials and other young people who are the problem these days; it’s the older generations that allowed these changes to be set into motion. It happened on our watch! That’s on us, not them.

I have to live with the memories of my experience in the U.S. Army, and I am filled with regret about what I did and saw in Southeast Asia just so this country could morph into one that I can’t support as I once did. I never fly my flag anymore, except on Memorial Day in memory of buddies I watched give their all. I don’t believe the troops who served with me had any idea the U.S. would now be led by an individual who seems to meet the diagnostic criteria of multiple mental disorders and is supported to the extreme by what resemble blind sheep stuck in the 20th century.Larry D. Parker lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with his wife, Becky, and their dog, Teala.Courtesy of Larry Parker

I did not serve — and would not do it again — just so my country could turn away from its earned position as a world leader or become one that would rather build walls than bridges. Veterans Day for me is about honoring those who took an oath, wore a uniform and manned a post; those who put their own self-interest aside for a period of time to preserve all the good things that America has to offer.

The USA stands for something significant in the eyes of the world. We are leaders by example; not by bullying.

The USA stands for something significant in the eyes of the world. We are leaders by example; not by bullying. The fact is that change is a constant, but each of us can do our part to make the changes that come good for all of humanity and not just in our own best interests.

Veterans have done so by making sure that our many freedoms will continue, that we have the opportunity to think for ourselves, speak up and act for positive outcomes. Today seems like a good time for residents and citizens of the U.S. to put down their remotes, set aside their smartphones, get off their duffs and get busy. There’s still lots to be done. Veterans can only ensure everyone has the opportunity to do that work.Larry D. Parker

Larry D. Parker is retired from a 30-year career providing psychological and educational services for children, families and veterans. He received his doctorate in psychology from North Carolina State University and now resides in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia along with his wife, Becky, and their dog, Teala. He has found that peace comes from within.by TaboolaSponsored Stories

Author

Staff Writer

Author's archive
Reader's opinions

  9. zortilo nrel   On   June 17, 2021 at 2:47 am

    With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help stop content from being ripped off? I’d truly appreciate it.

    Reply

  14. storno brzinol   On   June 23, 2021 at 7:20 pm

    I used to be very pleased to search out this internet-site.I needed to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely having fun with each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you weblog post.

    Reply

  19. Lorena   On   June 30, 2021 at 4:01 pm

    Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog.

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

    Reply

  49. Pingback:

    are mushrooms keto

  66. zortilonrel   On   August 21, 2021 at 10:50 am

    Thank you for some other excellent post. The place else may anybody get that type of info in such an ideal way of writing? I’ve a presentation next week, and I am at the search for such info.

    Reply

  73. are web hosting   On   August 27, 2021 at 7:19 pm

    Having read this I thought it was very informative.
    I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this short article together.

    I once again find myself personally spending a significant amount of time both reading and leaving comments.
    But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply

  75. web hosting what   On   August 27, 2021 at 7:51 pm

    I’m excited to find this website. I need to to thank you for
    your time for this particularly wonderful read!! I definitely
    appreciated every part of it and i also have you book-marked to check out new information on your web
    site.

    Reply

  76. web hosting your   On   August 27, 2021 at 8:18 pm

    Having read this I thought it was really enlightening.

    I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this article
    together. I once again find myself spending way too
    much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

    Reply

  78. of web hosting   On   August 27, 2021 at 8:28 pm

    Excellent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your
    web site, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
    The account helped me a applicable deal. I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear concept

    Reply

  79. web hosting that   On   August 27, 2021 at 10:27 pm

    hello!,I like your writing so much! share we communicate more approximately your article on AOL?

    I require a specialist in this house to solve my problem.
    Maybe that’s you! Looking forward to look you.

    Reply

  87. web hosting are   On   August 28, 2021 at 4:22 am

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you create this website yourself or did you hire someone
    to do it for you? Plz reply as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
    kudos

    Reply

  92. tinyurl.com   On   August 29, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    I got this site from my friend who shared with me on the topic of this web site and at the
    moment this time I am visiting this web site and reading very informative content
    at this time.

    Reply

  95. t.co   On   August 29, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Heya just wanted to give you a brief heads up and let you know a few of the pictures
    aren’t loading correctly. I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I’ve tried it in two different internet browsers and both show the same outcome.

    Reply

  101. bit.ly   On   August 29, 2021 at 3:42 pm

    This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger.

    I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking
    more of your great post. Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!

    Reply

  102. http://t.co/NMmJ0IfVIL   On   August 29, 2021 at 4:22 pm

    I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme.
    Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz respond as I’m looking to create my own blog and would like to find
    out where u got this from. thank you

    Reply

  103. t.co   On   August 29, 2021 at 5:36 pm

    Right now it appears like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform out there right now.
    (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

    Reply

  106. bit.ly   On   August 29, 2021 at 6:16 pm

    Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as
    though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre
    talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site when you could be giving us something enlightening to
    read?

    Reply

  109. http://j.mp   On   August 29, 2021 at 10:01 pm

    You can definitely see your skills in the work you write.
    The sector hopes for more passionate writers like you who
    aren’t afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.

    Reply

  110. http://bit.ly/3gI6uSo   On   August 29, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    What i do not understood is in truth how you’re no longer actually much more neatly-liked than you may be right now.
    You are so intelligent. You realize thus considerably in the case of this topic, made
    me personally imagine it from numerous numerous angles.
    Its like women and men are not interested unless it is something to
    accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs nice.
    Always handle it up!

    Reply

  111. t.co   On   August 29, 2021 at 10:32 pm

    Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up fast! What host
    are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
    I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol

    Reply

  112. j.mp   On   August 29, 2021 at 10:54 pm

    Good day! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the great
    information you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your web site for more soon.

    Reply

  114. bit.ly   On   August 29, 2021 at 11:52 pm

    Hola! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a
    shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep
    up the fantastic job!

    Reply

  116. t.co   On   August 30, 2021 at 3:48 am

    I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was
    great. I do not know who you are but certainly you
    are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!

    Reply

  119. bitly.com   On   August 31, 2021 at 2:29 am

    Unquestionably consider that which you said.

    Your favorite reason appeared to be on the net the easiest
    thing to remember of. I say to you, I certainly get irked even as other people think about worries that they just don’t recognise about.
    You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and defined out the
    entire thing without having side-effects , other folks could take
    a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thank you

    Reply

  120. http://t.co/   On   August 31, 2021 at 6:24 am

    It’s in reality a nice and helpful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful
    info with us. Please stay us informed like this.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  122. http://j.mp/3gI6uSo   On   August 31, 2021 at 4:27 pm

    Thank you for some other informative web site. Where else could I get that type of
    information written in such a perfect approach? I’ve a mission that I am just now
    operating on, and I have been at the look out for such info.

    Reply

  124. j.mp   On   August 31, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you happen to be a great author.
    I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will often come back later in life.
    I want to encourage you to continue your great job,
    have a nice evening!

    Reply

  126. asmr off   On   September 1, 2021 at 6:41 am

    Does your blog have a contact page? I’m having a tough time locating it but, I’d like to send you an e-mail.
    I’ve got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested
    in hearing. Either way, great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.

    Reply

  132. bit.ly   On   September 2, 2021 at 3:09 am

    Hi! I could have sworn I’ve visited this blog before but after
    browsing through a few of the articles I realized it’s new to me.
    Anyhow, I’m definitely delighted I found it and I’ll be
    bookmarking it and checking back frequently!

    Reply

  135. this asmr   On   September 2, 2021 at 6:10 am

    An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been conducting a little research on this.
    And he in fact ordered me breakfast due to the fact that I found
    it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this
    issue here on your blog.

    Reply

  137. bit.ly   On   September 2, 2021 at 7:32 am

    Hello there, You have done a fantastic job. I’ll certainly digg it and personally
    recommend to my friends. I am confident they will be benefited from this website.

    Reply

  138. the asmr   On   September 2, 2021 at 10:44 am

    Hey! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook
    group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really
    enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you

    Reply

  139. j.mp   On   September 2, 2021 at 10:51 am

    Do you have a spam issue on this website; I also am
    a blogger, and I was curious about your situation; many of us
    have developed some nice methods and we are looking
    to exchange solutions with other folks, be sure to shoot me an email if
    interested.

    Reply

  141. asmr our   On   September 2, 2021 at 11:43 am

    Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your blog and in accession capital to
    assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog
    posts. Any way I will be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access
    consistently quickly.

    Reply

  148. asmr was   On   September 3, 2021 at 9:41 pm

    Hello this is somewhat of off topic but I was wanting to
    know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML.
    I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get
    advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply

  151. bit.ly   On   September 4, 2021 at 3:16 pm

    Hi there! Do you know if they make any plugins to safeguard against hackers?
    I’m kinda paranoid about losing everything I’ve worked hard on. Any tips?

    Reply

  152. bit.ly   On   September 4, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    I do not know if it’s just me or if everyone else encountering
    issues with your website. It appears like some of the written text in your content are running off the screen.
    Can somebody else please provide feedback and let me know if this is
    happening to them too? This could be a problem with my internet browser because
    I’ve had this happen before. Cheers

    Reply

  153. of asmr   On   September 4, 2021 at 7:17 pm

    Hi are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m
    trying to get started and create my own.
    Do you need any coding expertise to make your own blog?
    Any help would be really appreciated!

    Reply

  155. asmr my   On   September 4, 2021 at 10:17 pm

    Excellent items from you, man. I’ve take into account your stuff prior to and you are just too excellent.
    I really like what you’ve received here, certainly like what you are saying and the way during which you assert it.
    You’re making it entertaining and you still take care of to stay
    it sensible. I can’t wait to learn far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.

    Reply

  156. j.mp   On   September 4, 2021 at 10:38 pm

    you are really a excellent webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing.
    It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are
    masterpiece. you’ve done a wonderful process in this subject!

    Reply

  157. j.mp   On   September 4, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Hi, i feel that i saw you visited my web site thus
    i got here to go back the prefer?.I am attempting to find issues to enhance
    my web site!I suppose its adequate to use some of your
    ideas!!

    Reply

  164. asmr or   On   September 5, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    certainly like your website but you need to
    test the spelling on several of your posts.
    Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very troublesome to tell the reality
    however I’ll certainly come back again.

    Reply

  165. of asmr   On   September 5, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    Hello, Neat post. There’s a problem with your site in web explorer, may
    check this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a big part of other folks will
    omit your fantastic writing due to this problem.

    Reply

  200. http://app.gumroad.com/asmr2021/p/best-asmr-online   On   September 10, 2021 at 8:24 am

    Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. But think of if you added some great graphics or video clips to give your posts more,
    “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this website
    could certainly be one of the very best in its field. Terrific blog!
    asmr https://app.gumroad.com/asmr2021/p/best-asmr-online asmr

    Reply

  224. http://coub.com/   On   September 13, 2021 at 7:32 pm

    I think that everything posted made a ton of sense.
    But, think about this, suppose you were to create a awesome headline?
    I am not saying your content is not good., however what if you added a post title that grabbed
    a person’s attention? I mean On Veterans Day, a Vietnam vet regrets fighting
    for an America that's become an intolerant bully – KROV-FM is a little plain. You might glance at Yahoo’s home page and see
    how they create article headlines to get people to
    open the links. You might add a related video or a related pic or two to grab people excited about what you’ve got to say.
    Just my opinion, it could bring your blog a little livelier.
    scoliosis surgery https://coub.com/stories/962966-scoliosis-surgery scoliosis
    surgery

    Reply

  227. bit.ly   On   September 14, 2021 at 6:28 pm

    I’m amazed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog
    that’s equally educative and interesting, and without
    a doubt, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough
    people are speaking intelligently about. I’m
    very happy I stumbled across this during my search for something concerning this.
    ps4 https://j.mp/3nkdKIi ps4 games

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may also like
96 0

ELPASO VICTIMS FIGHTING TO GET LIFE’S BACK

November 18, 2019

171 0

Ex-U.S. Ambassador Taylor arrives on Capitol Hill to testify

October 22, 2019

146 0

Elijah Cummings: Veteran US Democrat dies aged 68

October 17, 2019

Continue reading

Next post

Plastic toy guns found on Roosevelt High School campus

Thumbnail
Previous post

Bexar County 2nd Chance Job Fair.

Thumbnail
Current track
TITLE
ARTIST