This picture reminds me of my last day in Vietnam. It was just after the TET Offensive and our base was still recovering.
My nerves were shot from anticipation. I couldn’t believe I was finally going home after more than a year in that steaming hell hole.
I couldn’t wait to hear the sound of traffic, horns beeping and the hustle and bustle of the life we all take for granted.
As I was walking through the village for the last time, I saw a group of ragged little kids running around trying to shake down soldiers for spare change. Nothing unusual about that. Life in the jungle.
Then I saw this beautiful little blonde headed boy. He was dirty and had sores all over his body.
I was crestfallen. Here I was finally going home and this beautiful little boy was doomed to a life of war, disease and terror.
This was 1968 and the war showed no signs of letting up.
I often think of him and wonder what his life was like.
God help him.
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