Letter: Who better to voice opinion than one who may risk life?

Bemidji Pioneer

Published Tuesday, May 13, 2008

I was honored to have had the opportunity to be a part of the recent Vietnam Memorial held at the Bemidji waterfront. It was heartwarming to see so many people come out to honor those called upon to fight for our country.

Some consider Vietnam as a war lost. For those who were in country, victory was coming home, nothing more, nothing less.

I had several people come up to me since the ceremony and comment about the growing dissension about the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I even heard the ’70s saying, “America, Love it or Leave it,” as so many did during Nam.

I chose to serve, I chose to fight, they were my decisions and I live with them. I’m proud that my fellow vets and I went.

For nearly 20 years I trained young soldiers to survive in combat; I also taught them to be self-reliant and to think for themselves. The American military is one of the only world powers that train a private to take charge and lead when needed.

It bothers me when I hear someone called a traitor or a dissenter because he or she questions our policies. Who better to voice an opinion than one who may have to bear arms. What more profound symbol of love of country is there than to care enough to “ask why.” To this day, 18 years after my retirement, I am envious when I see someone in one of our country’s military uniforms. Love of country and freedom to question go hand in hand.

I have written several poems for families who lost loved ones on the battlefield. I can’t help but wonder how many, at the graveside, ask themselves “Why?”

War is neither gallant nor a cure all; war is both beautiful and ugly. It brings out the best and worst. When you cradle a friend, who was killed, the flag, John Wayne and letters from home don’t mean a thing.

The reasons to go to war are many. At the cost of a soldier’s life, I have to ask “why?”

Michael D. Monfrooe

Bemidji