Posted by: llc 12/02/2004, 20:46:23 Edit

These and other similar words are indications that nothing really changes. Often I have wondered what life would now be like if my past were different.  Tan uniforms in 1966 received the same treatment as Tommy in the poem.  When I think on my friends and family of today as being a result in one way or another of my past, I would not change a thing.  When I take a look at the world I call my own, I would not change a thing.  My grandaughter knows nothing of La Drang, Laos, Viet-Nam but granpa is her "hero".  I would not change a thing.  I realize my life will be shorter by a number of years but when I see my wife and reflect my past is why I met her, I would not change a thing.  When I look at myself in a mirror I wish some things were different but I would not change a thing.  All I can do, and have tried to do in the past, is make sure the men and women that have served since I have are not treated like Tommy in my presence.  A handshake, a thank you, a salute, a smile mean so much.  Friends, please do all you can to make the "Tommy" of today proud of his past, and happy with his future.........Larry