"Cousin, I don't know if I can do this. I know we came a long way, but I. . . I just don't know if I can do this," said a
 
trembling voice.

 "It's up to you. You don't have to do anything. We can turn right around and I promise I'll never mention it again. Just be sure,

cousin, just be sure." a voice answered back

   The first man drew in a ragged breath. His head was bent low from the weight of memories. He thought he worked past it all,
 
that it was the past. His insides churned with buried emotion-grief, pain, emptiness, and a lot of love.
 
   The second man took a step back, giving the other room to breath, room to think. He wanted to spare his cousin the pain

lurking just below the surface, but this was yet another war he had to fight on his own--in his own time, in his own mind.

    With a sigh that went to the soul, the first man lifted his head and walked toward the past with heavy steps and an even

heavier heart. He reached out his hand to touch the black granite slate, said a silent prayer, said a last goodbye, and cried

the last cry. . .
 

Note: The Vietnam Veteran War Memorial is the most visited tourist site in all of Washington, D.C. Many vets come only at
night, when they can face the past in virtual solitude. Many vets were never thanked for their contribution to their country. It's now time: WELCOME HOME!