A Vietnam Veteran Responds to "Thank you for your service"

Z. Woof posted to DailyKos.com: May 24, 2015

I didn't serve in Vietnam for "freedom"...

or liberty, or the flag.

I didn't serve for the reasons people think of when they tell me, "Thanks for your service."

I knew that this war was not about any of that stuff.

I served for 365 days and a wake up, as we called it.

I served so I would not be imprisoned by my government.

I served because my father asked me to. Later, he admitted he was wrong and apologized.

I served with these guys.

I served to save them and myself for 365 days and a wake up.

I failed.