From the Bonus Army marching on Washington, and the World War II veterans who waited a half-century to be awarded their high school diplomas, to Persian Gulf vets forced to demand recognition of Gulf War Syndrome, veterans of all wars have had to fight too hard for the basic services and dignity owed to them. The return home for many Vietnam veterans was made all the more devastating when some of their fellow citizens demonized the soldiers who left home to fight for their country. Finally, as the horrors of war are discussed, we hope that they can serve to remind the U.S. government of exactly what happens when Americans are sent into harm's way. To commit our young men and women to a war is to subject them to the horrific experiences that former Sen. Kerrey and millions more are still trying to put behind them. War is a deadly serious proposition and should never be undertaken lightly or without the highest regard for those who bear its ultimate burden.
War is hell.
But we hope that as a result of this episode, peace of mind and of conscience can find our dear friend Bob Kerrey and all of our fellow American veterans. Max Cleland is a Democratic senator from Georgia. Chuck Hagel is a Republican senator from Nebraska.