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Coalition
Members, Fellow Americans, Patriots:
From
the Desk of Chairman John J. Molloy:
Brothers and Sisters:
A Special Holiday
Message-
12 | 11 | 2011|
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We are now in the midst of the holiday season, that
joyous time of year when we engage in religious
observances and enjoy the company of family and
friends. It is a time of happiness and celebration.
This year I have been observing people trying to
make the most out of the holidays with lights and
decorations, even set up earlier than in past years,
trying to, perhaps, overlook the circumstance America
is in and avoid becoming depressed. Americans, it
would appear, could be engaged in hope or, perhaps,
avoidance behavior.
Forty-plus years ago many of us were engaged in
a blood conflict with the Vietnamese communists
and looking forward to a few days Christmas and
New Years leave, when there was supposed to be a
"ceasefire" and we would be safe. Unfortunately,
the "ceasefire" was not all it was cracked
up to be as our commander had us on 100% alert.
Most of us were between 18 and 20 years old and
serving in our armed forces for our nation's interests
as well as the freedom of others. Some of us had
to spill the blood of our foes and even at times
have our own blood spilled. As I reflect on those
days, I think of the hit song: "It
Was A Very Good Year." How good
a year was it for those of us serving in Southeast
Asia? It was a year of sacrifice with always the
threat of being killed at any time.
Now forty or so years later I again reflect on that
old song. Think of the words: "...now the
days are short...I am in the autumn of my years...I
think of my life as vintage wine from fine old kegs,
from the brine to the dregs...it poured sweet and
clear...it was a very good year..."
Many of us are at that time. It has gone by very
quickly. Yet we may be the last generation to be
able to reflect on a positive existence for America
during those "very good" years. Sadly,
America may be in the autumn of her years. Let us
use these days during this holiday season to think
of our lives with appreciation for the blessings
that we have had, and remember the sacrifices of
those who have made those blessings count even more
and have made freedom possible. Let us make the
most of this joyous season and look to what the
future may hold. What lies on the horizon for the
future of our children and grandchildren and, perhaps,
even for us, does not appear very promising. We
may well be the last generation--the "last
legion" if you will, that has the strength
and determination to preserve America and our way
of life for those future generations. Let us be
prepared for what must be done, yet take the time
to enjoy and make the most of this holiday season--despite
the turmoil--for those of us who have served in
worse places, in worse circumstances--we can still
have that "very good year."
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah,
and a very happy and prosperous new year.
May God Bless America and may He preserve our nation
and protect it from harm.
Yours in brotherhood,
John J. Molloy
Chairman
National Vietnam & Gulf War Veterans Coalition.
Sgt. , 2nd Plt. B Co. 1/20, 11th Lt. Inf Bde Vietnam
1967-68
Survivor - 2 WTC, 2/26/93 & 9/11/01
 "The
original Purple Heart award was instituted by
George Washington in 1782 to reward troops for
"unusual gallantry" and "extraordinary
fidelity and essential service." The award
was a purple cloth
heart edged in silver braid, and was to be worn
over the left breast of the uniform."
The day was established to honor Purple Heart
recipients, the purple heart award now reserved
for
our combat killed and wounded, also including
prisoners of war and missing in action.
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