You ask for Forgiveness, and I would first ask you a few questions. Words mean things, Julie. Words can shock. Words can cause pain or laughter. Words can bring tears.
Words can harden the heart.
And words can bring Forgiveness prompting release of unspoken resentment and bedrock hatred. Words are important. You wrote words asking for Forgiveness and express support and regret, which is a today-popular thing to do. Asking Forgiveness makes me, and I'm sure, other Vietvets feel awkward in that no one has ever asked for that from me before. You may know that Jane Fonda sputtered a most insincere apology to Vietnam Veterans that was froth with shock and contempt for having been manipulated into saying those words that rang false despite her consummate acting skills.