DEAR GEORGE...

July 19, 2003

Well, in just a couple days it will be George Grinnell's anniversary again, and I can't help but think, every year about this time it grabs me by the throat, and I have to put something on paper... so if you feel like trashing it now go ahead...

So this isn't about George particularly, but it is about all Georges, or Toms, or Dicks, or Harry's... who died in Viet Nam... George just chose 21 July, the same day as my daughters and wife's birthday... so it gets me every time. I can't think of one without the other.

So this is for you George...

A NOTE LEFT AT THE WALL

Dear World,
... My name is George.
I am nineteen years old, and they are sending me to Viet Nam.

Dear World,
... I am scared.
I won't try to be a hero, but I'll try to be brave.

Dear World,
... I miss my family.
I hope they don't worry about me, but I hope they are proud.

Dear World,
... the fighting is getting worse and I am so tired.
We've been humping for days looking for Charlie.

Dear World,
... I lost a good friend today.
That makes three this week. I have learned not to cry.

Dear World,
... Don't worry about me. I pretty well know the ropes~ I'll be okay.
I turned 20 today.

Dear World,
... I am still scared. I'm getting short, but the fighting continues.

Dear World,
... I won't be coming home.

Please Remember...

Remember that I have a mother and a father.
Remember that I have two brothers and eight sisters.
... they meant the world to me, and I left them to fight for you.
Remember that I did not wish to fight,
Remember I did not want to kill.

Yet, I did what any child does, and yes, remember... I was just a boy.
I did what I was told... as bravely and proudly as I knew how.
And I was scared the first time I saw war.
And I cried the first time I saw death.
And I held my brothers while they died.
Up until the day they held me
... for you.

Remember:
CW2 George Grinnell
Company B 25th Aviation Battalion
KIA 21 July 1968

©Copyright July 19, 2003 by Ron Leonard

Author’s Note: We'll remember George Grinnell, and Bobby Staggs, and the rest of our brave souls...