Sharing the Burden, Vet to Vet

Travesty of the Vietnam War

by Doyle Watters

It makes me quite sad, when I talk to other Vietnam Veterans. What burdens their souls, the average person could never understand. 

If someone were to ask me to describe the price of freedom, I would have to say, "Those white crosses on foreign soils and the sick and dying in Veteran Hospitals -- that's what the price is and it's what the price looks like." 

Vietnam Veterans are now sixty plus years-old, with worries of health, and left with that age-old question, "Did I do all I could have done?" 

"Hero" is not how they want to be labeled, and "Thank you for your service", comes too damn late, to have any healing power.

When they returned home, the haters and peace demonstrators met them at the airports. Called baby killers, while often being physically and/or verbally abused, many have never fully recovered. 

Jane Fonda betrayed them and they will never forget, nor will they forgive her, regardless of her youth. The grudge they hold has kept them prisoners in its very tight grip.

Haters and Peace Demonstrators

Sure, they have been known to say, "58,222 names are written on a black granite wall in our nation's capital". Yet, those numbers are small, compared to the vast numbers of American youth that went away whole and returned so much less than whole. 

More labels were placed on them, after they decided to trade their military uniforms and weapons for a chance to compete in a civilian society. 

Senior citizens now, they are gray, balding, wrinkled, with numerous ailments, divorces, and the deaths of their moms and dads have left them struggling, knowing that death is just on the other side of the horizon for them, as well.

Taking all types of pills, to include group therapy sessions, Vietnam Veterans continue to ask, "For what do I have to live?"  

Putting a Bandaid on the Problem ...

Needing to talk, their frustration kicks in, because there is always a lack of trust.  I have heard so many times, "I can talk to you, but not to them, because they wouldn't understand."  Their follow-up phrase is, "They haven't been where I've been."

Yes, there were those that fell into a bottle and never managed to climb out. There were those that pretended drugs were the answer to everything -- and they are no longer with us. 

For those who got out and become successful in work, family, and community, you will never receive due credit, nor an apology from any president. What I can proudly say is, "I am one of you." 

After having said that, the nightmares and dreams continue to haunt my soul. I know I will never be free from the screams of pain, the smell of flesh, and the words,  "Please, help me", and knowing there was nothing that I could do, except watch helplessly ... and punish myself from that day forward. 

CSM Doyle Watters 

Vietnam Veteran
US Army Retired

Other Articles by Doyle Watters

A Flag's Declaration

Saving Tears

The Defender

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale


Feel free to comment on this post. You are also invited to write about anything you feel comfortable sharing. Memoirs From Nam is YOUR blog. You are writing America's history, sharing the truth about the Vietnam veteran, and what it was like in Our War.

A Flag’s Declaration: by Doyle Watters

Betsy Ross and George Washington

A Flag’s Declaration

My nickname is Old Glory I’ve existed for over two hundred years.
The Star Spangled Banner described my story well at its creation.
Only I have observed every moment, from beginning to present.
The Boston Massacre marked the first casualty of our revolution.
A witness to blood, death and destruction beyond comprehension.
Duty, honor and country have remained foremost in my existence.
I embrace the wind and enshroud the spirits of those fallen for freedom. 

I am not merely a piece of cloth, I stand for liberty and justice. 

Red, White and Blue are my colors, chosen by my forefathers.
Valor and sacrifice, purity and innocence are woven into my stripes.
Vigilance, perseverance and justice lay deep in my bosom of blue.
Freedom of speech, religion and the press are my birthright.
These principles of the common man can make a nation great. 

My history is very young when compared to others. 

I have seen the brave generations of timeless defenders.
Those willing to sacrifice for a cause they might not be able to realize.
To this day my soldiers continue to overcome adversities at will.
Through suffering and death they pledge utmost loyalty and trust.
With the grave knowledge that war consumes souls and haunts spirits.

Those who carry me into battle best understand the price paid. 

Draping the caskets of my youth, I am aware of freedom’s cost.
Disrespected by world citizens, I fervently offer respite from tyranny.
I shall not waver, for I keep a watchful eye on that which surrounds me.
My strength can not be destroyed for it lies in the hearts of my people.
Peace is all I strive to accomplish, as history continues its march. 

I ask that you honor, respect and be faithful to me in times of uncertainty.

Never be afraid of expressing your love for me openly and willingly.
Think of those that made your freedom a reality, the Veterans of America.
In return I will be a symbol, letting mankind know democracy lives.
I’ll be strong when faced with calamity, offering solidarity for peace.
I am an idea, a physical entity representing hope, opportunity and freedom.

CSM Doyle Watters 

Vietnam Veteran
US Army Retired

Other Articles by Doyle Watters

Sharing the Burden, Vet to Vet

Saving Tears

The Defender

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale


Feel free to comment on this post. You are also invited to write about anything you feel comfortable sharing. Memoirs From Nam is YOUR blog. You are writing America's history, sharing the truth about the Vietnam veteran, and what it was like in Our War.

Saving Tears: by Doyle Watters

Weary Looks in our Eyes ...

Saving Tears

We brothers gathered in silence with weary looks in our eyes.
So many years had passed, still our reflections remained painful.
Comfort of mind, there's no such thing, until self is accepted.
We looked like anyone else, I guess, from the outside looking in.
We talked rice paddies, jungles, and bombs that fell on Hill 875.
Been a long time, we'd been saving tears, for this mournful cry.

Logic was set aside to chase the unknown without knowledge.
Imagination had held us captive, as we've pondered the whys.
Years stole our memories, but dared not to touch our scars.
Nightmares kidnapped sleep, laughing at the anguish it caused.
Post traumatic stress disorder we've all been deeply affected.
Been a long time, we'd been saving tears, for this mournful cry.

My health is slipping quickly someone said, mine too the reply.
They sprayed us with chemicals, sent us home to rot and die.
Drunken nobodies, without jobs some were labeled and scorned.
A black granite wall built to jog the silence of a past which slept.
It dances to the rhythm of motion, in the darkest of midnights.
Been a long time, we'd been saving tears, for this mournful cry.

From mother earth we were all slung, into uncertainties of life.
Lost at the controls of society, we search for what lies beyond.
Hoping those young lives, that gave their all, we'll see again.
Our intentions to go, and return whole, but none of us did.
Yet, youth allowed us to solidify an everlasting brotherhood.
Been a long time, we'd been saving tears, for this mournful cry.

CSM Doyle Watters 

Vietnam Veteran
US Army Retired

Other Articles by Doyle Watters

Sharing the Burden, Vet to Vet
A Flag's Declaration

The Defender

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale


Feel free to comment on this post. You are also invited to write about anything you feel comfortable sharing. Memoirs From Nam is YOUR blog. You are writing America's history, sharing the truth about the Vietnam veteran, and what it was like in Our War.

The Defender: by Doyle Watters

All Military - One Voice

The Defender

I have fought wars and conflicts around the globe.
I am the past, present, and the future.
Over the years, my uniform has changed a bit.
Nevertheless, it will always be a symbol of freedom.

Throughout history, I have defended my country.
When asked to take the oath, I raised my right hand.
I have never, nor will I ever, let America down.
Even in the most unpopular wars, I was strong.

My head held high as I invaded the beaches,
Slept in jungles, and dreamed of home.
I’ve marched across the deserts’ hot sand.
I spilled my blood to protect the Constitution.

Yes, I walk with a limp and I drink too much.
I even sit on the street corners and beg.
Often I am overcome with shame.
Hero is a label some have tried to pin on me.

I will never accept such characterization.
Fear has stalked me every generation.
I went away and I did not come home.
I am buried at the bottom of the sea.

My white crosses line the countryside on foreign soil.
No one visits my grave, or remembers my name.
When I departed, I was not old enough to vote,
Could not enter a tavern and consume a beer.

I did not get a chance to raise a family,
Nor watch my children grow to be adults.
Family reunions often dismissed my existence.
When I came home you said I was different.

My limbs were missing and my mind distorted.
I was withdrawn and appeared to be troubled.
Yes I am different, I only wish I wasn’t.
The price that I paid shall be paid again.

Some have to give, so that others may reap.
Without the Veterans, there is no America.
Hopeful my strength will encourage the youth,
May they be strong when peace does not prevail.
Only the dead have seen the end of war.


Command Sergeant Major
Doyle Watters
US Army May 1965 – May 1990 (Retired)

Doyle Watters

 "There are not enough words that can completely describe what a soldier does during the course of their career.

A soldier is responsible for the safe keeping of America and willingly defends against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, in order to ensure freedom is preserved. 

A soldier's duty description is measured in blood, sweat, hardship, and yes, even death. The pay is small, the days are long, and meals are often missed but those inconsistencies tarnish not a soldier's attitude, for it is the Oath of Enlistment, which empowers the soldier and instills faithfulness, while building a special bond known only to those who have served."

Other Articles by Doyle Watters

Sharing the Burden, Vet to Vet
A Flag's Declaration

Saving Tears

“I am only one, but I am one. I can't do everything, but I can do something. The something I ought to do, I can do, and by the grace of God, I will.” ~Everett Hale

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Feel free to comment on this post. You are also invited to write about anything you feel comfortable sharing. Memoirs From Nam is YOUR blog. You are writing America's history, sharing the truth about the Vietnam veteran, and what it was like in Our War.