March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day. As we remember the names of the fallen, we are reminded of our debt to all who have served. Yet, even as we acknowledge that debt, and the gratitude that goes with it, it must also be said that as a nation, our relationship with our military history has been inconsistent.

We must acknowledge those we sent to war in our name, who did their duty in our name, but whose names we failed to hold up so proudly. Let us acknowledge the weight of what they went through, what they saw, what they felt…in our name. All the while, not knowing what each day might bring. Not knowing what or who it might take. We should have acknowledged them better as a nation then. But the truth is, as a nation, we didn’t.

Times have changed, though regrettably too slowly for many veterans who are no longer with us. We have matured enough as a nation, I think, to embrace the truth that we can disagree with a war without diminishing the respect we feel for every man and woman who puts on our uniform and serves in our name.

Respect for your valor, your integrity and your character. Respect for the truth that they have all paid a price – and by the way, a price that some are still paying. Respect for the fact that they live with the memory of friends who never came back, and memories of all they lived through. They upheld the American name. They demonstrated the American character at its finest. They deserved so much better than they received.

On this Vietnam Veterans Memorial Day, take the opportunity to thank a Vietnam veteran. Honor them for serving in our name. Then pray that as a nation, we will continue to honor and remember those who pay so dearly for the freedom we and others across the globe enjoy today.

We should all thank God for the blood of heroes…

God Bless America,

Gary Ruebling

Warrenton