Vietnam - One Canadian's Choice

[Moderator]

The following was provided by the Canadian Vietnam Veterans Association ...


Vietnam - One Canadian's Choice


I take a prayerful moment
to pause and offer thanks,
for every buddy in Vietnam
now missing from our ranks.

It was a foreign conflict,
not Canada's to fight.
Yet for myself and others,
somehow, we thought the cause was right.

'Twas in a time of turmoil
of protest, peace and love,
and countless true believers,
embraced the hawk and dove.

America was seething
with restful human strife.
Debates of learned scholars
tried to hallow peaceful life.

But the fires of frustration
fanned the spark of restful lust.
Youth flocked in untold numbers
to the cause they thought most just.

So we could not be complacent
in our "True North, strong and free"
for what happened to our neighbours
was our own reality.

As I faced the hard decision,
who was wrong and who was right,
I heard a strange and distant trumpet,
calling me to join the fight.

Yes, it was my own decision,
not a hasty, random thought.
And I seek no peace nor pardon,
for the war in which I fought.

What I ask is understanding,
that I might not stand alone;
just acceptance as a human,
and a simple "Welcome Home!".


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Written by ... Reverend Gordon C. Simons, 1st Lieutenant/Captain

Attached to ... U.S. Army Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol
5th Brigade, 60th Battalion, 9th U.S. Infantry, Vietnam

Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and three Purple Hearts