We can still come together

I am a Vietnam veteran and a life-member of Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). I watched in great sorrow the events at our capitol in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6.

This was not the message of freedom and liberty we fought, died and killed for. Those responsible were a mob and should be totally dispersed.

I felt after the curfew was effected the streets and Capitol should have been secured. They weren’t.

In 1968-69, I learned all too well the reactions of “fight or flee.” The events I witnessed then have left a permanent scar on my mind and soul. These old wounds were re-ignited as I saw the attack on our capitol and the death and intended death blow to our way of life.

“Never shall we leave another generation of veterans behind.” This is the motto of VVA. In a few short hours in Washington, D.C., every U.S. citizen became a wounded veteran of an era of lawlessness and mayhem. We have been in “combat” for years, and it has come full circle to what is evidenced today.

But all is not lost. The creator of all beings has spoken and will continue to speak until we surrender to his will. The solution, we will discover, is spiritual. Not partisan politics or any existing governmental system. We must draw upon our allies and, yes our enemies. For the world is one. Mankind is one. What affects one, affects all. The U.S. has suffered a severe blow and now the healing shall begin. Our house is not in order and must be treated with care, kindness and compassion — and above all justice.

The lessons of our past are the gems of our knowledge today. We can do this.

Mike Harris

Ocean Shores