I've never been to  Vietnam, not physically, it's true,
I've never seen Da Nang, Chu Lai, An Khe, Bien Hoa, Pleika.
I've never had to leave my home and loved ones far behind,.
To place my feet on foreign soil, not knowing what I'd find.
I've never had to walk through jungles, swamps beneath my feet,
Not knowing if and when and where my enemy I'd meet.
I've never fought hot days, cold nights, monsoons, snakes, rats and ticks,
Or been on the constant lookout for mine fields and pungi sticks.
I've never been afraid to sleep at night, afraid to close my eyes,
Or  to feel the pain and helplessness of watching comrades die.
The relief of surviving one firelight and knowing there's be more,
I've never sensed the sight, the sound. the taste, the smell of war.
So I can not say to any Vet "It's okay, I understand"
But they can tell me how they feel and I'll help if I can.
For there's a special place in my heart for each and every guy,
Who went away to Vietnam to fight and perhaps to die.
For every one who made it home and those who dwell above,
For they were there to risk their lives for the country that I love.
There's so much more than names etched upon that Wall,
It is a part of every life- it should affect us all.
For every name upon that Wall there is a soul living on,
It lives within the heart of everyone who ever fought in Nam.
And so I say to every Vet and I know I'm not alone,
I am so very proud of you, thank you and Welcome Home!

1978
-Sue Maher Armstrong
 

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