By Dr. Jeffrey Lant
Author's program note. One of the most zestful of military marches is "When Johnny comes marching home again.' It is a Civil War tune, written at a time when war demanded the full panoply of pageantry, martial measures, flags unfurled, their symbolism bold, daring, resolute. Written by Patrick Sarsfield Gilmore, a serving Union soldier, it is the perfect accompaniment to this article. You'll find it in any search engine, often performed with period instruments, smart, stylish, fit for the heroes of the Great Republic.
My fellow Americans, allies, well disposed nations and peoples worldwide, and to those who mean us ill, greetings...
We meet again on the most hallowed day of the republican year to reaffirm the meaning and importance of our nation. And, as so many other times on this date in our history we are gathered together at a time of war, when the nation, as before, is challenged, not least to understand the events and their significance.
There are many aspects of war that would form suitable subjects for a day of such national significance. We could discuss the reasons for these wars, their necessity (always subject to vigorous debate with patriots taking diverse views).
We could discuss, and rightly so, how our resources are stretched and challenged, at a time when the demands made upon our military services seem unending.
We might venture to look upon, deeply, completely, whether our allies, enjoying to the full the benefits they derived from the commitment, resolve, and sacrifices of the most generous people on earth, the American people, are taking advantage, shirking their just responsibilities, knowing we cannot.
We could present, with ardor and profound belief, the meaning of our previous wars, engagements, incursions, police actions, invasions, battles, and more; in each and every one of which the sons and daughters of the nation were wounded, maimed, disabled... or, we must never forget, died... their mortal bodies, consigned to God, now part of every continent... for on every continent we have given, done valorous deeds, and shaped the destiny of the world, action by action, body by body, a record of determination, perseverance, grit and gallantry unmatched in the history of the world.
We could expound upon, joyfully, too, the just rights of all our fellow citizens, now allowed, whatever their sexual orientation, to serve their country, now openly and proudly, for such people have always served; now they may do so with the proud assurance that the nation no longer treats them with disdain.
Any of these subjects would be relevant on this Independence Day; let us hope vigorous and candid discussions upon these important matters are taking place today... for such debates are a sign of health in the body politic. The Republic has always valued and sustained such conversations.
I, however, have chosen another theme, a theme that is part of every war: when, that war over, Johnny, our beloved father, son, mother, daughter, neighbor, fellow citizens all, return... what they must know and all the rest of us must do upon the occasion of return.
Suggestions, recommendations, insights and guidance for veterans.
For the last months and years, your life, every waking moment, has centered on the military services of the nation. You have, and willingly so , left behind the joys and frustrations of civilian life the better to hone your skills and fulfill your often perilous missions.
During these missions you have come across scenes of distress, horror, brutality, fear, and , always, the tragic deaths of colleagues, buddies, pals.
You will, even when surrounded yet again by loved ones and friends, be subject to vivid and terrifying flashbacks, ordinarily arriving deep at night, excruciatingly real.
You will want to share such matters, to let the citizens of your acquaintance know them in full and even tragic detail. But your fellow countrymen, protected by you abroad, will demand protection, too, from the stories which you rightly regard as essential to understanding and appreciating you and need to tell.
Your friends and relations are relieved and excited by your return. But they cannot know that the person you were at embarkation has changed and developed... now has observations, insights, specialized knowledge and vital experiences which your countrymen not only do not know, but which they make a point of not knowing and ignoring, to your disappointment, regret, and, often, white-hot anger.
And so, too often does the returning husband, stunned and dismayed by such a situation, throw harsh words at the wife of his body -- "You don't understand. You were not there!"...
... whereupon that wife returns equally incendiary sentiments, born of loneliness, endless worries and the necessity to be both parents, when one is away serving America's agenda. "You don't understand. You were not here!" And those who should be all-in-all to each other create chasms that drain the affection and loyalty, leaving bitterness and regret.
Other situations you must also know.
Good citizens will tap you on the shoulder offering welcoming sentiments... less welcome will be indelicately rendered comments upon the utility of "your" war; its total waste and uselessness. Such comments you will be forced to listen, too; remember, these omniscient civilians do not know what you know and never will; most important they do not know that war meant doing dangerous jobs with expert skills and a deep well of good humor. And, above all, it was about the people you fought beside, lived beside, were wounded and died beside. Civilians do not have such relationships; for you they were everything. And, above all, remember this: you fought America's battles so that America's citizens would never experience your hardships and daunting tasks.
Suggestions, recommendations, insights and guidance for the family and friends of veterans.
First, rejoice. Your loved one, the object of ceaseless worry and prayer, is home. Even if wounded or disabled, rejoice. Many families just like yours face lifelong grief for their loss. They envy you.
Be patient. Your loved one has faced death on a regular basis. They will have insistent ruminations... especially if they saw young friends fall. That image is indelible, recurring, troubling. You will find such veterans in need of a quiet place; they have much to consider and reconsider... and they will not want to share (though they may need to) until the perfect moment has arrived.
Advise your children that the returning one needs some special TLC and benevolence. He may be irritated and disoriented at the cacophony and boisterous ways of his ordinarily much loved offspring. He needs time and your patience to remember that the exuberance and safety of all American children, not just his own, are his special gift to the nation.
"God shed His grace on thee..." but their exertions have preserved and fostered it.
This great nation was conceived in war,only to fight again and often to preserve what we hold most dear and to ensure that others enjoy these benefits, too.
Now the veterans who helped sustain our great idea are returning home. Veterans all, may they be granted what they fought for: peace and the tranquility of the soul.
Richard Penny
Online Success Coach
earnonlinesuccessnow@gmail.com
1-(800)985-0604
Skype ID = richieace
http://earnonlinesuccess.com
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