My Mother’s Gift of Healing
Les and Christle in Da Nang.
March 20, 2012
by Les Brooks
Shortly before my mother died, she asked me if I could take a cruise anywhere in the world, where would I go. I could not answer her immediately. Her question had uncorked a train of thought, an internal debate that I had avoided confronting for years.
I am a veteran of the Vietnam War. Over our 17 years of marriage, my wife Christle had asked me about my time there, often suggesting we visit Vietnam together. How could we? Vietnam was a place I left in 1966 praying I would never have to go back. But Christle sensed the deeper truth…I was curious about the place; I wanted and needed to see for myself what life was like today for the people of a country that I left so torn apart by war.
My mother was greatly surprised when I told her that Southeast Asia, specifically Vietnam, was where I’d go if I could take a cruise anywhere in the world. She remembered what it was like when I returned to the States, how the hostile reception I received at college made me feel out of place and isolated from my peers. Unbeknown to me, she booked a cruise to Vietnam for Christle and I and it was my turn to be surprised.
That was like her. Mom was a spontaneous sort who would bestow generous gifts unexpectedly and with pleasure. About a year passed between the time she gave us the cruise and the actual taking of the cruise. Sadly, during that time, my mother died of a blood clot that formed after a fall.
Her gift took on greater poignancy and meaning. Christle and I flew to Bangkok, where we boarded Ocean Princess, bound for Vietnam. The crossing between Bangkok and Vietnam was of course familiar territory, having covered the region before on the USS Cavalier.
I was a young naval engineer serving on the Cavalier at the beginning of the war, responsible for maintaining assault boats. We were stationed in the Philippines when the Gulf of Tonkin incident occurred, which ignited the conflict for America. The Cavalier was dispatched, along with 1,500 Marines on board, to Vietnam. We patrolled the region for 57 days. Still, in the early years of the war in 1966, after making an assault landing at Chulai we returned to Da Nang running personnel, equipment and supplies, with me going ashore on the assault boats, helping to maintain them during their missions to the different bases we’d established.
As Ocean Princess approached Vietnam, I was getting anxious to land. I particularly wanted to see the city of Da Nang, its harbor and the neighboring China Beach recreation area. Arriving ashore, I was struck by the distinct odor of decomposing vegetation, water and cooking street food. That much remained the same as no place in the world smells like Vietnam. The city itself had grown up to a bustling hive of people. They thronged the streets, zipped through them on motorcycles. In one case, we saw an entire family and their belongings transported on one small bike.
We visited many of the places I’d been 40 years before–and others, like the Cu Chi tunnels built by the North Vietnamese, that I had not.
It was at the tunnels that I met a little kid of six or seven who clearly had a mental disability. He was waving at everyone and having a good time. He was with a little girl who had no hands. I knew what that meant. She was almost certainly a victim of Agent Orange, the poisonous defoliant the U.S. sprayed over the area. Besides taking so many lives during the conflict, Agent Orange embedded the region with a tendency toward cancer and genetic mutation that continues to plague the people.
In facing that girl I was confronting the very reason I had been so wary about coming to Vietnam. You see, the USS Cavalier shipped Agent Orange to Vietnam. Early in the war, I did not know what it was or the horror it would create. Ever since, I knew all too well of the lives it destroyed, Vietnamese and American alike.
But that little girl expressed no anger at me for what had happened to her. She approached me with a smile on her face, brightness in her eyes, and that hit me right in the heart.
I had other, smaller rapprochements on this journey. Leaving Vietnam, I laid a wreath at sea in remembrance of one of my friends who was killed there. On board, I befriended a lawyer, who just happened to be an organizer of the 1968 antiwar march on Washington, DC, a leader of the crowd that made me feel so alienated when I returned. Thanks to the passage of time, we were able to understand each other.
I realize my mother’s gift had opened the door to many profound gifts. Through her kindness and intuition, she provided the way back to Vietnam and my healing. There, through the smiling acceptance and unspoken forgiveness of that little girl and the many other Vietnamese who welcomed me, I was able to put aside much of the guilt that had gnawed at me for so long.
My mom was gone, leaving an echoing hole in my life, but because of her, another hole had been filled.
Christle and I often talk about this cruise and how experiences like this allow us to heal and go on with peace in our hearts.
Les resides in Rogue River, Oregon and has cruised 11 times with Princess.
a most profound and poignant story of the vietnam war. i’m grateful princess could help salve this family,,………….
What a great story. Thanks for sharing it!
A touching story….but one that is healing as well. Thankyou for printing this. We, too, are looking at Asia for a Princess cruise…because it is rich with culture and incidently our 25th wedding anniversary.
I too now have a better understanding of “America’s War” and I thank Les for writing this excellent and poignant account of his Viet Nam cruise experience. The perspective offered is one that recognizes a challenge met and, I dare say a bitter memory largely conquered, but mainly understood. Some how, I am sure too that Christie would have secretly hoped for this result in her wishes to have such an experience with you. Well done from Canada and a devoted Legionnaire,
What a wonderful, touching story. I was in tears by the end. What a wonderful gift your mother gave you that will continue to give you joy. She lives in you!
I had to get the kleenex out halfway through the story! This one got me!
What a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing. And thank you for serving.
Let me dry my eyes…wonderful story.
Really late in the game..
THANK YOU for your service..
yep I agree with Mike…THANKS
Your Mom must have been a wonderful mother.She knew what you needed to heel.She is probably still watching over you.You were blessed
What an amazing story I’m so glad you have started healing. I lost a friend in Vietnam and have know a few guys that were injured there, one during the war and another by agent orange.Thank you for sharing your story.I hope your healing continues. God bless your Mother for her foresight.
Hey Les
Thanks for serving our country!! I just returned from IRAQ 2 years ago. By the way we share the same last name I am Gary Stephen Brooks Sr. and my father served in Vietnam in 1967 in Danang. Please contact me via e-mail and we can see if we are related? I have done extensive ancestry research and would like to share with you. As a matter of fact due to this research my wife and I are visiting the UK for a month next month and then Cruising the British Isles on the Caribbean Princess.
Again thanks!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. My older brother was a US Navy stationed in Vietnam the same time you were there. My late Father told me, I must write him letter everyday after school to boost his morale. Now my brother is retired from the US Navy after 30 years of dedicated service. GOD Bless all the military people who served in war.
Les,
Thank you for your service to this country, welcome home!
Thank you for sharing this story……………….Having lost my brother in 68 over there, I often wondered if I could go and visit the city where he lost his life.I am now 65, still thinking about it……………..If it is in Gods plan for me I will go……………Thank you again , and GOd bless, thank you for your service..I am a Vietnam Era Vet
Les,
I want to begin by sharing my condolences about your mother’s untimely death; your description of her makes me think she was a very special lady. Thank you for your story of your return to Vietnam – I know it can be difficult to talk, better yet write about one’s experience there as a veteran. Not surprisingly, I was very moved by your story. I too traveled to Da Nang and your mention of Chulai struck a chord for me as that is where my brother served in an artillery battery (67-68). I hope your visit was as meaningful as mine was to me; from your blog it would certainly seem so.
I want to thank you for your service and for being a loyal Princess passenger. You get my vote on both accounts.
Sincerely,
Alan B. Buckelew
Hi Alan, first of all, thank you and your staff for posting my story on the blog. The response has been overwhelming. With 30 Tweets, 150 likes, and 706 Shares I never expected the response I’ve gotten. There are a number that want me to e-mail them beck for more info. This has been most humbling for my wife and I. Next Wednesday we are leaving from L.A. on the Golden Princess for the 14 day Hawaiian cruise. I’m going to print out all of the comments during the sea days so I can read through and reply to those who want me to. As I’ve said the response has been most humbling but if even one Viet Vet is influenced by my story to go back and come to grips with their service then it’s been so worth it. Once again, thank you for posting my story and also “welcome home” Sincerely, Les Brooks
i was in vietnam in 67-68 in the central highlands and am planning a se asia cruise next. i would like to see the area where i was but don’t think we will be able to get to that part of the country. my wifes brother was kia down south nearer to saigon in “66″ and might be able to get to that area. i am not completly healed from the war yet but am better than i was 30 years ago and returning might help hopefully.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, LES! You are so blessed to have had such a wise mother, so about her passing. Congratulations on your trip on Princess to spend time healing that was long over due. You are blessed to have someone to share your trip and your healing and your life with… May God complete the healing that has begun in you. Many more blessings!!!
My husband is also a Vietnam Vet, and if he were to meet you today, knowing how badly the Vietnam Veterans were treated upon their return many years ago, he would say, “Welcome Home.” So, Welcome Home, Les. I am glad your trip allowed some healing to take place.
I am just finishing the writing of a book on Vietnam, brought through by Vietnam soldiers who passed in Vietnam. I too am leaving in a couple of weeks for Vietnam aboard the Diamond Princess. I served with the US Army in the US and Panama during the Vietnam war. Because of the book and the soldiers’ stories, I am going to see Vietnam through my own eyes. Les, if you are reading these posts and would contact me (jericonklin@yahoo.com) I would so love to talk with you. Thank you for sharing and thank you for your service. Welcome home, we live free because of your sacrifice as well as many other men and women who sacrifice their lives for our freedom.
I was there with naval gunfire soruppt at the cease fire Jan 27, 1973 soruppting SV Marines on the beach (surrounded by NVA). At the cease fire we stopped shooting and within days (radio contact was maintained) those Marines were wiped out under a mass attack the NVA using civilians as human shields. The only people who stopped shooting were the US Forces. The SV government was fragile and then the Democrats pulled the plug on a small materiale soruppt some months later Poof the end.
i also served in chulia vietnam for 18 months begining in august of 1968 .my wife and i have taken 10 cruises with princess so far and loved them all. i would love to go back to vietnam and visit chulia , however no ships stop there.they go to danang but that still leaves me about 90 miles from chulia. has anybody been back to chulia .from what i’ve heard there is nothing left of it. GOD bless all the vietnam vets ,and thank you princess for all the fun cruises.my wife and i are leaving on another 14 day hawaii out of L.A. this october.
Bless you Les…..and your wonderful Mother. I was very touched by your story. Thanks for sharing your journey with us.
Les, congratulations on your newfound freedom! We all have a story to tell and thank you for sharing yours. I also say, “keep Christle”, she is wise beyond her years. Keep cruising we love the Princess Line Cruises too!
Thank you Les. What a wonderful story. We have our freedom because of people like you.
Les,
My Father off-loaded that agent orange in Da Nang in 1966. I was in 3rd grade, and it was the worst year of my life. Mom moved us back to the rural midwest so we wouldn’t have to see the dreaded black sedans wandering around dependants quarters. We couldn’t escape it though and went to many funerals and viewings.for cousins and neighbors.
I’ve also read the story of Cu Chi and think it should be required reading in High School.
I was not able go to Vietnam–i had a bad back from football and high blood pressure–they wouldnot take me. I prayed for the military quite often– and i still do. so thank you for your service!!! J. Larry Snider spokane Washington free because of you and my GOD!!!
I love reading the stories of our passengers, many times I am moved to tears. This was no different. I love working for a company that can make dreams come true, families reunite, grandkids learn to love to hang out with their grandparents and war heros be able to take a step towards healing. I am proud that the President of our company took the time out of his busy day to recognize you and share a moment with you. Thank you for your service to our country.
My Dearest brother Les: Yes, our Mother was truely a gift to us and the world. Her kindness allowed my husband and I to travel to many exotic lands as well.
I have told you, and I will continue to tell you, how proud I am of your service to our country. You are a honorable man, and I am very blessed to have you for my big brother.
I remember our first cruise with Mom and Dad to the Med. I will always have imprinted in my mind Mom and Dad stepping off the bus to meet us in the port. We all have some wonderful memories of all of our trips together, do we not?
I love you,
your Sister, Kathy
I lost my mother 4 months ago. The memories and special times are precious. My Mom had a few good weeks last fall and really enjoyed life again. I knew it was a last hoorah before the end. The things that are most precious are the talks, the memories, the things we could do!
I have a friend with a parent dying and they are so worried about all of the details. Details will always be there. It is about quality time and memories, and the will. Inheritances are wonderful, but one that creates a memory touches the soul forever!
So very true, I lost my Mom 2 years ago and my mother inlaw . We shared so many awesome memories of them both on Princess Cruises. When I went on the Island Princess in Alaska a few month’s after she passed away. I stood on the Deck alone and all I could do was think of the many memories we made together In Alaska and Princess Cruises I went on with her. You see it was on that deck In Whitaker , Alaska I had a healing process begin also . When I was in the 4th grade I lived in Alaska with my Mom and brother and went to Whitaker on the train.
It truely is amazing that not only did your mother know what would bring healing to you, but in telling your story how it would bring back memories and healing to so many others!!! Thank God for Mothers and their Love… Thanks for sharing such an awesome story…
I was touched by your story about your lovely Mom & thank you for keeping our country safe. My husband was also in Vietnam & is a Purple Heart recipient but unforturnately he will not talk about what he saw & endured. Many Marines came back to the US feeling ashame instead of proud because of the feelings about the war back in the 60′s. But I am proud of all of you who served.
Marion Lussier
Marion, I am sorry about your husband’s reluctance to speak about what happened and the way he feels. I was a teen in the late 60s/early 70s, right there in the age bracket of those who inflicted the mistreatment and disrespect your husband has fixed in his mind. While I didn’t participate in any of the anti-war rallies or confront returning service people with rude remarks or worse, neither did I stand up for any of them among my peers (a few of whom I knew DID openly demonstrate) which makes me guilty as well. So let me suggest this: It is in part because of that misplaced, misdirected and certainly unwarranted treatment or attitude towards service people back then that so many of us today can now separate the individual soldier/sailor/Marine/airman from the policy that sent them in harm’s way, to want to say, ‘Thanks for your service’, even if we oppose the policies that keep these wars going. Whenever I can I will stop a service person in uniform, extend my hand, and just say ‘Thank you’. WITHOUT FAIL I am met with a smile and a quick acknowledgement, and we go on our way. Maybe it’s my subconscious penance for my generation’s mistreatment that I do this… with years of maturity and acquired wisdom I can now separate the policy maker (politician) from the instrument of policy (service person). Please tell your husband that were we to meet, I’d thank him for his dedication to this country, and I bet a lot of those whose actions have hurt him so deeply would do the same.
Shortly after 9/11, a faculty member at the college where I was teaching organized a loosely-knit gathering that was part prayer service, part plea to the U.S.not to go to war yet again. I did not go, but the day after another faculty member casually mentioned that anyone who went was not supporting the troops. I replied with passion I did not know I had, that if Vietnam had taught us anything, it was that we could support our troops even while opposing the government policies that sent them to war.
A year or so ago I was traveling on Princess when we shared a lunch table with two Canadian Army members who were home on leave from Iraq. I was staggered to silence in the face of such courage to fight a war that is not really theirs. My friend’s husband simply said, “Thank you for your service.” That said it all.
I did not (at the time) know anyone personally who served in Vietnam, despite being in the same age group as most Vietnam veterans. Yet when I visited the Memorial in Washington, D.C., sadness overwhelmed me – here were friends I would never know, and men I would never love. What a loss for the country and the world. It haunts me still.
Marion,
Please thank you husband for me, and give him a BIG hug. His service is GREATLY appreciated by us all!
- daughter of a Vietnam Vet
I was also touched by the story, and your response Marion. My brother too was a US Marine and received the Purple Heart..My 13th birthday (6/7/67) as interupted by a knock at our front door by the US Marines telling us my brother was shot after an ambush and the only one in his platoon to survive..by playing dead and packing his four bullet wounds to his legs with ant filled dirty mud. It was a long haul, he wanted revenge and “re upped” but they would not send him back to Vietnam due to his leg injuries and difficulty running. Instead he obtained Embassy Duty in Santo Domingo. It is a shame he also didn’t speak much about the war..and we can no longer discuss his days as he died of lung cancer 3 years ago. Life..a funny thing..and how sad WAR is .
Hi there from Australia
My Husband was also in Vietnam, Borneo and other places were the SAS went during the past years. I have cruised twice with Princess and wish with my heart and soul that he could have found some peace from the torment inside before he passed away in 1993 only 53 years of age and still carrying all the memories and emotions inside. To all the men that have suffered through war please get help, If I could have seen him enjoying the peace and tranquility and also the excitement of cruising it would make my life complete. Thanks you to Princess who have given me something to look forward to nect cruise Mexico Riviera and then 2 years later Melbourne to New Zealand. Bon Voyage all that are travelling the seas with Princess. Pam Young
Les
I am here at work reading your blog and am moved to tears. My father also served in Vietnam in 67-68. Although he did not participate in combat he was in the Airforce and served as a dentist for the troop. He does not talk about his experinces there.
We have also cruised Princess many times and Vietnam has intrigued me. I asked my dad if he’d like to go with us some day, and to my suprise he said he would love to see Vietnam today. I was shocked! I figured he would say it was a place he never wanted to see again. But as I read your story, I couldn’t help thinking, he might have some healing he needs to do also. I’m going to make a point of booking Vietnam sooner than later as we never know how much longer we will have our parents around.
Thanks for your service to our Country!
WOW! Les, Thank you so much for sharing your Inspired to Cruise memory with all of us. I work here at Princess and yours, coinsidentally, is the first one I have read. I have truly been wiping tears away as I read this.
My late father was a Marine in the Vietnam war. He NEVER spoke about anything in regards to his time in Vietnam. When my father grew ill, I learned he was responsible for loading Agent Orange, which later was the end result to his issues and his untimely death Sept ’10, onto the planes and helicopters that deployed it over the region. I knew of a scar he had on his forearm covered by a road runner, later recovered by a bald Eagle.
I once asked my father if he would ever go back to Vietnam, and he told me that as much as he wanted to he just couldn’t. He had suppressed the pain and anguish for this long, there was no reason to bring it all back up again.
Your mother knew exactly what would help you and I still believe that a mother knows best.
Cheers Les and thank you again for sharing your story.
Les,
Thank you for your honorable service to our Nation. Your story has so many lessons for all of us – the importance of service to our Nation. True love of family and friends are forever enduring. Forever be thankful for all the opportunities life presents. I can appreciate how this Princess cruise facilitated your journey to connect the past with the present, and opening your eyes to the future. I hope I am honored some day to meet you on another Princess cruise. Best wishes – Richard S.
Great story, Les. Another reason to cruise is for that “final wish”. FundMyWish.com can help a cruiser & their family with expenses for that. Hey, Les, why doesn’t Princess sponsor the cruise category on the site?
War hurts many to say the least, and it’s effect is profoundly felt in generations to come. We should adapt an attitude on anti war in our lives.
A moving story indeed.
Les,
A very belated thank you for your service to our country. Thank you also for your poignant story.
As a travel agent had the oportunity to meet a lot experiences , but I must say your is very touching. Thank you for sharing those difficult moments and the healing ones. Definately, this industry have open a wider horizon of destination and I’m greatful to be part of the insdustry.
Les,
Thanks for your story and your service to our Great Nation. I too served in Chu Lai, Vietnam in 1968 with the Navy Seabees. Like you I would some day like to return to Vietnam on Princess Cruises so I could re-visit the area where our battalion lived near the South China Sea for eight months helping build roads, and hospitals in the area. What a great gift from your Mom and may God Bless you all!
My husband and I were both there, Air Force, 1968-69. (He was at Bien Hoa; I was at Tan Son Nhut.) Neither of us have been able to work up the “will” to go back. I am a tour guide in Washington, and so I am at The Wall several times a week; I can’t begin to list the stories I have heard there. I am so glad you brought up the effect of Agent Orange on the Vietnamese, generation after generation–it is so easy to forget. You had a very memorable trip–and your mother is very much a part of those memories. Welcome home, brother.
My husband and I went to Viet Nam a year or so ago….for basically the same reason….His brother was a MIA until just a couple of years ago….My husband had a very high draft number so he was not called….and his other brother was a Navy Vet who had served there. We were very unsure of what we would see and how we would feel…All I can say is that it helped heal the pain we felt and it made us whole again….His brother is still dead but talking with the children of both North Vietnamese and South Vietnamese was a good thing for us…
America didn’t invade coutnries, America liberated them.And America killed ennemy combattants, as it happens during wars.On the contrary, the nazis killed voluntarily million of civilians; and the Soviet communists did the same; and the Chinese communists did the same; and the Japanese in WWII did the same; and the Muslims did the same; and the Africans in central Africa did the same.See the difference ?
Thank you so much for sharing this. It struck a chord on so many levels.
and just use it as a blanket term for you all? And on a side note, the Japanese got trhies when we nuked them. It wasnt a good thing, but then again they had the rape of nan jing.
Les, thanks for sharing this with us. And thanks for your service to our country. My brother served several tours of duty in Viet Nam. He doesn’t talk about it, but I imagine he thinks about it. I’m happy you had the chance to return. What a special gift from your mom.
I was very excited to hear that you have voetluner English teachers serving in Vietnam, by teaching English as a Second Language. I myself have a Bachelor of Arts in English with concentations in Education and English as a Second Language. I have been looking for a way to serve the Lord with the skills he has given me. Please contact me if there is any need for more or relief teachers there.
Hi Les, your story and visit to Vietnam brought a tear in my eye, first of all to your wonderful mother, my sincere condolences she was truly an inspiration. 2nd for your service and commitment to freedom and democracy, which you served. 3rd for your understanding, care and regret on Agent Orange destroyed lives and mutated anyone it contacted, Vietnamese, Americans, and all others.
The picture of that little girl is truly the wakeup call for all of us, and the real victims of war.
God Bless
Wow, what a great story told, I to was in Viet-nam a few years after you, glad to hear seeing it again help you in a good way. Lots of people ask me if i ever wanted to go back, always said no, but after your story i am not sure now. Thanks again & what a great present your mom left you . God bless you & your wife & mom & The USA!! P.S. Thanks for serving & risking your life for all of us!
Don’t read these stories too often, but was glad that I picked up on this one. Many of our friends and families experienced the horrors of the Vietnam war, but I’m happy that today we can call these people our friends. I look forward to making a trip to Vietnam myself someday.
God bless you Les for serving for our country in that horrific war. I appreciate you and everyone who served in that war. I was very touched by your story and you deserve every chance at happiness you can get for what you went through. I am glad that you had the chance to reconcile with Viet Nam. What a special Mom you have and what a wonderful gift she gave you. Cruises are wonderful and I hope you and Christie enjoy many more together.
Thanks for sharing. I was 18 when the draft ended, so I never had to leave the US to go overseas. Thanks for your service to your country and this truly inspirational story about how wounds can be healed over time. What a wonderful woman your mom was to give you such a precious gift !!
Thanks for sharing your story Les. I had actually put this email from Princess in the trash without opening it….just another advertisement you know. Well, the line from your story caught my eye and I went to trash to retrieve it. I was touched by your story, along with the others who shared. I took a trip to Vietnam in 2006 and was taken with the country. I have wanted to go back ever since. I was with a mission group that visited several orphanages. I saw kids like you described and lots of others that were normal in appearance…..all very beautiful and precious….I took a ton of pictures and they are totally my treasures from that trip!
Welcome home Les! And the emptpy hole from the loss of your Mother? Fill with her spirit that has never left you; only her body did. Blessings to you and to Christine.
Dear Les and Christie,
Your story came up on my email at very good time. First I am sorry your Mom did not live to see the healing her gift brought but know she is smiling down from heaven. I started reading your cruise story because my husband, Bob, who passed away 10/7/11 was a vietnam vet who suffered many years from complications of agent orange, but the biggest suprise came when you named your ship to Vietnam, the USS Cavalier, APA 37. I think you were on ship with my husband. Do you remember the “Mountain Man” from 4th division who run the rivers every morning of those 57 day in DaNang harbor? I would love to talk to you and your wife if you would care to chat you can contact me at (hgd1948@gmail.com)
Hi Helen, yes I remember Bob very well. Especially the beard he grew in the contest we had on the ship while in DaNang. Jerry Hutcheon did e-mail me about Bob’s passing. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Too many of our shipmates have passed or are suffering with complications from that stuff. I thank God every day that, so far, I haven’t had any symptoms. As we’re now leaving for a cruise to Hawaii on the Golden Princess I’ll e-mail you at length either from the ship or when we get back. Once again I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing, he was a great guy and shipmate. (my e-mail:chrisles-4@charter.net)
Hi Les,
I am just reading my first emails after two days because I lost my loving mother yesterday. Mothers always seem to know better than anyone what will help, and even heal, their children, and your mother’s gift proves this to be so true. My husband volunteered at the beginning of his service in 1969 in the Navy to be sent to Vietnam, but they stationed him instead in the Sixth Fleet. He and I treasure those who serve this nation, and particularly those who put their lives and their souls on the line to protect all of us. Thank you for sharing your story. We are grateful for your service and that your mother’s gift helped you heal. God bless both of you.
Les, Thank you for your service! Welcome home and may God continue to bless you.
Les,
thank you for sharing that amazing story of your pilgrimage to healing and back to Viet Nam. Your mother must have been an equally amazing person to ask such a question and provide for you even in her later years. I send my sympathy on her passing and my rejoicing that you have been able to find some healing. We pray regularly for our servicemen, past and present and it is my prayer that God will continue that healing in your life. Thank you so much for your service to me and to our country.
Beautiful! thanks for sharing…and thanks for serving our country!
Wow…Thank You for sharing your story, and for your service. Such a difficult time in American history and many veterans still struggle. Your Mom was truly a “gift” too.
Les, you words touched me deeply and I couldn’t help the tears close to the surface. I have often thought of the soldier of the Vietnam War, and if they ever go ‘closure’ to the experiences that formed part of their lives. Thank you for the courage to write this fascinating piece, and I am so very glad that Princess Cruises and your dear Mother made this possible for you.
I lost my husband this year and he was a Viet Nam Veteran in the special forces. He wouldn’t talk much about his service but had nightmares for many years. After reading your article, I wish we could have visited there too so he could find some peace. He was one of the soldiers who was spit on when he came back to Los Angeles from Viet Nam. He spent a night in jail because of it. Your Mother left you a wonderful gift and I am so happy you have reconciled your feelings. Thank you so much for serving our Country and sharing.
Elizabeth,
I’m not sure if you’ll see this reply, but know of my deepest sympathies for your loss, and how sorry I am that your husband was treated the way his was upon return. I am grateful for his service. My dad returned from his service in Vietnam (62-68) aboard an aircraft carrier, only to pass under the Golden Gate Bridge and have garbage dumped on them by civilians. I believe he never healed from that wound, as it was one of the few things he would talk about. He passed away almost two years ago. May you find comfort in knowing how much he was appreciated… Hugs, Cindy
This is a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing it.
This was a very touching story of your service and healing. As someone else said, “Such a difficult time in American history and many veterans still struggle.” Thank you for what you suffered and for serving our country.
Thank you for sharing, and thank you for serving our country USA. We are grateful!
May Peace, Love and Forgiveness countinue to embrace your lives, a priceless gift from a Mother who is HOME in arms of One who knows, who loves, and who cares. Prince – Princess of Peace
Beautiful tribute to a Wonderful Mother- blessings through Princess Cruises
This was a great story that you had experienced. Thank you so much for your service to the country.Thanks again
Thank you for your service and for your story. I had friends and family there so I spent countless hours watching the news, hearing body counts, imagining the horrors and praying. It is amazing how many of us who have just read your story can still be moved to tears. I am happy you and others who served have gone back and found healing. Something about a cruise helps give perspective to the really important moments in our lives.
Thank you for your very well written story. It was very moving and touched me. Thank you for your service to our country.
Thank you Les, for sharing your story with us. I’m sorry about your Mothers passing. You can be sure that she is happy to see it has created healing for you.
I had a brother in law who served in the Vietnam War and he suffered for many years with nightmares and malarea.
Thank you for your service to our country.
Les,thank you for your service & for your beautiful story. My husband was retired U.S.C.G. who served in Viet Nam. He never spoke about his experiences while there. His death was service connected partially from Agent Orange. At just 51 he passed on. Like Elizabeth’s husband, mine too was spit on when in uniform actually in the U.S. I loved being married to a military man for his last six yrs. in the service & always so proud of those who now serve, & those veterans who have served our country as well. My dad was in the Army, & had an uncle in the Air Force, so I have much respect for our military. I am thrilled that your life has new meaning now, after all those yrs. you’ve carried such a burden. What a gift you got from your dear mom.
I am so glad you came full circle with your emotions after all that time. What a wonderful gift from your mother
Hi, Les
Thanks for sharing your inner most thoughts on trip and your experiences in a war that was very difficult for all who lived through it. Being a Canadian, and a long time Princess cruiser, I’d like to say that I’m glad you cared enough to go back and see the people and places where you served in a much more difficult and different time. You served your country well and all of us support you for doing your duty. It’s good to see how much has changed in the world with respect to America, Vietnam and China and South East Asia in general. Not perfect, but we’re moving in the right direction.
For that little girl in Vietnam, she’ll have a better perception of America because you cared enough to understand her and her people and spent time to visit them
Cheers and Salinte
Keep on caring and cruising!
Thank you and your wife for both your services to our country, as she served too. My husband is a Marine vet of pre-Vietnam (Bay of Pigs) and 3 of my 4 brothers are also Vietnam vets. My other brother tried to get in the Army but as he was a victim of Juvenile Diabetes, he eventually became in dire need of an insulin shot and unfortunately was “caught” by a fellow soldier-to-be in the barracks who thought he was shooting drugs into his leg; therefore, end of Army and short visit to brig to be followed by discharge. In 2000 I took a trip to Vietnam & Thailand for a total of 6 weeks and was a most memorable trip. I got nervous on the Mekong ferry because it was the area where my cousin Mark was shot down in a helicopter that he had to take over ‘gunner’ duty when his best friend was killed, 3 weeks after his tour of duty was over. I traveled most of my trip with a girl I worked with and her husband who took over in translation duties as both had escaped Vietnam as children. My girlfriend is the oldest of 5 children and she was only 6 herself. They missed the US airlift for nationals and ended up on a boat with 1 suitcase for 7 people and because they expected to fly, they had not packed food. The other people on the boat shared their rations or they surely would have died. Neither my friend or her husband had been back to Vietnam since escaping 35 years before. I too will never forget the food smells in downtown District 1 and the picture menu’s. My largest set back was being heavy up-front, something the Vietnamese people there do not understand and a friend of mine who was a nurse in Vietnam told me that they don’t understand why heavy breasted women don’t fall flat on their faces and when they laughed openly at me, I laughed back and the jesting would stop. By the time I had shopped myself to death buying silk fabrics and getting clothes made to suit me and my chesty problem, I enjoyed the pineapple sticks with chili powder, the street foods, the native fruits which are slowly coming to America, I also enjoyed the paintings, artwork, wood marquetry which bringing home was a chore but love it. I took over 40 rolls of film, developed them all there and they don’t cut them into strips, so I will be making a video to share with my family when I finish the family tree for my family. I have many a friend who will have nothing to do with Vietnamese people, some because they still carry schrapnel in their bodies, but my Vietnamese friends are very understanding of them. It was difficult to see the masses of people who are limbless, blind or deformed but I believe in giving them the same courtesy and respect I would want for our American troops, no matter where they serve. I never burned my bra in the 60′s (mostly because I needed it) and never campaigned against the war, even though I lost 1/3 of my graduating class there and we only had about 110 to start with. I also feel for the many homeless veterans and above all, they deserve a hand up and we as Americans OWE them for our freedom to say the least. I lost my Dad at 16 to WW II injuries and my wonderful mother raised all 5 of us by herself in the “sticks” where my father thought we’d be safest always. All of us surviving children all live back at the homestead except the oldest, who followed our ancestors of German ancestry and has settled in Germany and speaking the language helps a lot, but I visited with him 2 years ago after settling our Mother’s estate as we lost her in 2007. I need to quit rambling, but since I felt we have a lot in common, I wanted to share some of my story with you. God bless and keep you and the Army, Navy and Marines are the veterans we represent from my family for the last 3 generations. As my husband would have said, as he is gone now too, is ooorah and his tattoo of USMC he always joked about and said it stood for Uncle Sam’s Misguided Children – even when we are not, we still fight for and believe in our country. Sincerely, Warry
Les, what a wonderful story. I am a Viet Nam era vet — that’s a lot different from your experience. The farthest overseas I got was making an amphibious landing on the south side of Puerto Rico. Thanks for your service, and a belated welcome home. One thing I did get to do was greet men who came back to our unit from RVN. We were stationed at Ft. Gordon, GA, and returning vets got somewhat better treatment there than in other parts of our country. My brother-in-law is a Purple Heart VN vet. I ask him once in a while if he’d like to go back. I think he’s getting closer to saying yes. I would love to do one of those cruises that goes to the Solomons and other WWII islands and Viet Nam. There were so many heroes in all of those places, but almost none who would call themselves that!
Lee,
Thank you to share your story with us.
Now, you know how kind and deep was the heart of your mother
I was very touched. Who can love more than a mother?
What a great story Les. Thanx for sharing.
Thank you for your heart warming story. We leave in 2 days for a cruise tour aboard the Diamond Princess with 2 stops in Vietnam. It will give us a whole different perspective to take with us.
God Bless you Les & thank you for serving our Country. My cousin & many close friends are Viet Nam Vets & unfortunately all of you were never truly Welcomed Home.
Your mother was a Blessing & a treasure, although she passed away her gift to you will never be forgotten as well as all the memories you had with her.
Your story touched my heart & I Pray your cruise gave you the Peace that you needed.
God Bless you & your wife may you continue to have many loving years together.
The emotions I felt when reading about your journey were varied… sadness that you were not able to tell your mother how cathartic this cruise was for you, but joy because this made such a difference to your heart. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE and your sacrifices made, and Welcome Home!
Thank you for both your service and sharing this personal journey with all of us.
We just finished the March 2012 Southeast Asia Diamond Princess Cruise with two stops in Vietnam. I am a Vietnam-era 6 year Army Reservist, who for various reasons, stayed stateside during the war. Many many friends went over, and too many did not come back. I wanted to face Vietnam head-on. My now deceased Dad was a Marine during WWII and I have to this day thought that he considered my war service as a little to ‘light’, though he insisted it was not. “It was a horrible time and a horrible war,” he always told me. The visit to Vietnam helped me to confront my ghosts, but strangely with a little more anger than Les is expressing.
We took several excursions and talked a lot with shipmates during the cruise. Some thoughts I share:
– I looked out the window for most of the 2-hour ride from the Port into Saigon and kept thinking why is it so dirty and littered with junk? Did we do this? It has been 35 years since we left.
– While 70% of the Vietnam population was not alive during the ‘American War’, as the government calls it, I found myself angry with the government’s propaganda during our excursions. Why do they still want to infiltrate kid’s minds?
– I found the children so cute at the kindergarten school we visited, like kids everywhere. Even when one of them poked my belly and called me Happy Buddha!!
– I found the ladies at the fish and produce market to be lacking in smiles, so unlike what we saw in Thailand and Korea.
– I found a lot of young people sitting or riding and wondered why they were not in school or working.
– I found the visit to the old US Embassy with awful propaganda and bringing back those pictures of the helicopters at the end of the war.
– I talked with several US veterans on the ship who wanted to face Vietnam and came away grateful they went, but pained with what they saw.
– I talked with some Aussies who fought side by side with US troops who were as disgusted with the propaganda as I was.
I sometimes think to the winner goes the spoils, but I also think, that if the Vietnamese Government ever wants to get beyond the War, they need to retire the propaganda and, like our visit to Nagasaki, talk about the horrors of war and how we should never do it again. And how to be friends forever.
My thanks to Princess for helping us confront the issue of Vietnam.
I have never been to Viet Nam, but I have to say that what you wrote rings true for me, the reader. I have read other “Isn’t-the-Place-Just-So-Darn-Pretty-and-the-people-welcoming” accounts that sounded that some spin artist from a good P.R. firm wrote it. Thanks for sharing your views and for your service to our country.
Thank you for your service to our country……from a grateful American!
Les,
This is the best Princess Post ever. Thank you for your service. God bless you.
Les, Thank you for your service!
Les, Thank You for your service. I am so sorry about your reception when you returned home. I am so grateful to all our Veterans. My Dad was a Veteran of World War II. Your service to our country is a beautiful testament of selfless sacrifice at the time and in the aftermath for years to come.
What a beautifully written story. Your Mother’s love is obvious and her generous style heartwarming. How wonderful that you and Christie were able to have this trip to heal your soul!
Before making my comments, thank you for your service, Les. Your mother was a remarkable lady who certainly must be proud of her son. What an amazing gift from her. She certainly left you with something very special.
Many of my friends from high school were sent to Viet Nam in the 60′s. Some never returned home. Others were not the same when they did return. But, for some reason, I always wanted to see where my friends had been. Perhaps it was to be close to the ones who lost their lives there.
We visited Viet Nam on the Ocean Princess last Fall. Like Les, I was apprehensive and a little nervous about what I would find.
What I found was friendly faces and kind hearts. It was hard to believe it was the place of such horror at one time.
We took the land excursion to Cambodia and I highly recommend that. It was so spiritual and inspirational. Life’s dream come true.
We are so glad we decided to go on this cruise……we’d love to do it all over again!
What a wonderful story and what a wonderful gift that your mother gave to you. I want to thank you for servng our Country in that horrible war. Our Veterans are under appreciated.
Dear Les What a beautiful story and wonderful mother. Thanks again for your story and
your wonderful service to our country and freedom…. God Bless You.
Thank you for sharing such a personal story, Les. And thank you for your service. I was 21 in 1966 and remember the unrest the war caused. I’d like to think we are now more supportive of our military and their families. Bless your mom for her thoughtfulness.
My late husband served in Vietnam with the US Army. Your description brought back several memories of things he shared. He thought it was a beautiful country filled with beautiful people.
Hello
After reading your post. I think that the opportunity given by your Mom was a touching gesture. Knowing how she must have worried while you were there. Giving you this gift of closing. so glad you were able to enjoy it. We also cruised with Princess there last April.
A wonderful time.
Dear Les….Thank you for your service….My father was a Veteran of WWII…although he returned as a hero….he was ill and never talked about the war until he resided at the Veterans Home..We never knew he had medals. He was very proud of his service …..So I thank you as I do anyone who served in the armed forces at any time….
Thanx to Les for sharing your experiences, and igniting this string of poignent replies.
My Vietnam experience was far less traumatic than most. As a draftee,1966 was spent in a Saigon suburb, shipping US Army supplies to the soldiers who really counted. Still, I’ve come to realize that a return visit to Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, and even Hanoi would be a worthwhile adventure.
My gratitude, also, to Princess Prez. Alan Buckelew, who offered an unsolicited Upgrade to us Viet Vets on our most recent Emerald cruise to the Southern Caribbean. This trip is a highly recommended mid-winter itenerary !
J.K. Smith
Les,
Thank you for the wonderful story! How wonderful a gift from your mom, for you and Christle to experience! I, too, am moved to tears. My dad served in Vietnam from 62-68, aboard aircraft carriers (like the USS Midway), working in the engine area. He spoke of the ugly re-entry to US soil, too. I’m sure those internal scars matched his external ones from the surgeries to remove the tumors he had, associated with Agent Orange. Dad passed away almost two years ago. Your story provides an element of healing for all of us. We love and appreciate our soldiers, both with us, and with the Lord.
Hugs and blessings,
Cindy
I had a brother that serve during the Vietnam War. He is now deceased but reading your story brought back memories of the things he talked about when he returned to the stated. This was a beautiful story and my condolences on the passing of your mother. What a blessing to receive such a gift.
Thanks for sharing such a touching story – God bless you, as He obviously did with such a special Mom!
Dear Les,
Thank you for your wonderful story. I work for Princess Cruises and love reading the stories from our passengers. Your story has more meaning for me as I wish my father had the opportunity to take the cruise you did. My father served in the Navy during the Vietnam War and never spoke about it after he came home. He was lost to us in 1994 due to cancer. I learned more about what happened to him and many of his friends after his passing by going through his trunk he had kept locked and away from the family.
I hope this trip has helped you and your family. I think we should hear all the stories we can from that time and learn from those experiences no matter how long ago they were. Thank you again for opening up to us and giving Princess and our passengers the chance to hear your wonderful story,
Les,
Great story. I remember that era only too well. One of my friends an ex-Marine later got diabetes. Since he was on the ground the military had to cover it, since it’s agent orange related. Pass this along.
Great story! Glad you were able to go! I clicked on your story & was surprised to see you are from Rogue River…we are from Grants Pass!! We just got back from a Princess cruise to the Caribbean
Again, wonderful story Les
Dear Les
You story is really hearfelt and I apprecaite you talking the time to write and share it. I was in college during the late 60s and welcomed the returning vets home–we at Macalester College in MN were not supportive of the war–but were very sensitive to the feelings and experiences of the returning servicemen–most of who really did not want to be there either!
My only hope as we all move forward in this world that we take the lessons we have learned and then TAKE ACTION to do more NOW to make the world a better place…there are so many good organizations and fundations that can be supported financially or by volunteering with actual time that can help repair past damages and make lives and living better.
So I ask everyone reading this story to think what YOU can actually DO to repair environments and human lives that need our help. Everything we do an help on some scale!
First let me thank you for your service. My son now serves with the Air Force flying C-17′s and my Dad was a WWII vet. I lost my mom in January of this year and we had to cancel a cruise to Normandy because of her declining health. She was really upset, but because we took out insurance, we were able to get a full refund. She smiled when I told her everything was ok and we would take the cruise later. That generation was so “giving”. She was 89. We have not rescheduled the cruise, but we will. I am 65 and grew up during the 60′s and remember well how the soldiers were treated when they came home. Our soldiers coming home now are being welcomed. Thank you for sharing your story; it brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you for such a touching story. Your Mom will never know what a wonderful gift she gave, for the cruise was only a small part of the story. We should all be encouraged to create such healing memories in our own hearts. I was the wife of a Viet Nam vet and I have strong memories of being torn between loyalties to my country and husband, and the inner knowledge that it is wrong to kill so many people in the name of peace. Thank you in the name of peace on Earth.
Welcome Home Les! What a beautiful and touching story. I am so moved to hear that you are beginning to heal. My uncle was a Viet Nam vet and could not speak of his expreiences. My deepest thanks for your service. Bless you and your dear mother
Les, I never read these and was about to delete the email when the title of your story caught my attention. I started reading, just planning to skim over it, but by the second kleenex I was completely enthralled. It is such a moving story. I am so happy that you were able to have this wonderful healing experience. The fact that your mother is the one who gave you this gift makes it all the more special. (I now have the entire box of kleenex here by the way). I was just a baby during that war, and Canadian, so all that I know about it (which I always considered to be quite a lot!) came from history books, news clips, movies, and documentaries. Yours is the first personal account I have ever heard. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful story. I am so sorry for the way some of us treat fellow human beings, and the way you were treated when you got back. There are kind people everywhere, and there are also insensitive and ignorant ones. Please take comfort in knowing that the majority of us do care for you and appreciate your sacrifice for the betterment of human kind.
What a beautiful story! Thank You for sharing it with your Princess family!
Les, I normally don’t write a comment, but your story really moved me. I am so glad you went back. May this help you heal. Many many thanks for serving our country
Les, Welcome Home and thank you for your service! I hope your soul is at peacel with what happened in Viet Nam. What a wonderful woman your mother was!
Thank you for your service and for writing your inspiring story. I was a nurse in Vietnam for 18 months. I was stationed in the Saigon area, Plieku and DaNang. I had the opportunity to visit with other camps with the dust-off pilot’s. We took medical teams into the villages to give primitive medical and dental care to the locals. I was there during the TET offensive. I too wanted to go back to revisit the country. In Nov 2009 I took the Diamond Princess 30 day cruise from Bangkock to New Zealand with stops in Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand. My purpose for the trip was to revisit Vietnam. I found that conditions for the people were very much the same as they were 40 years ago. Conditions outside the cities were quite poor. In Saigon, the many people- drawn rickshaws have been replaced with hundreds of mopeds. The Communist presence was very evident. Tourists were treated very well and tourism is a growing industry. I enjoyed the trip, I would have appreciated a longer time in order to see more of the countryside. I would like to see Plieku again, and revisit the orphanages. Prayerfully the next time I visit, the conditions the locals live under will be improved.
What a wonderful and touching story, thank you so much for sharing.
Les,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. How blessed you are to have made it back and for a mother who obviously had a great deal of love and insight.
My husband, who passed away in November, 2010, served in the USMC in Tsingtao, China, just as the communists were taking over that area. (1949-50) While he was not actually in combat, he too served and I was very proud of him. I am afraid we sometimes take for granted those who have given their lives and their youth to protect the freedom we enjoy. Welcome home and may God richly bless you and your family.
Cathy Thanks! I love Vietnam!!!Lynn- The cave was so incredible, felt like it went on fvreoer! And we visited a fishing village on a bamboo boat which was also an amazing experience!Kristine I’m having the best time thanks love!
I am so happy to hear of your healing heart and wonderful gift from your mother…and want to tell you about a book I read that made me feel as if I had been part of your era of service as well. The book is “Up Country” by Nelson DeMille. As I read it, I grew to understand the effects of war on my own father, and how heroism is truly born of unusual circumstances. Please read the book – it will bless you.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful experience.
Like everyone else, mahalo (thank you) for sharing your story, very touching. Enjoy your cruise to our islands. Aloha!!
My husband is also a veteran and before I met him, he had never taken a real vacation which I consider to be a cruise. After we got married, I was finally able to convince him to get on a ship and his first cruise was on a princess ship. He was so relaxed, so thrilled that we haven’t stopped cruising since. Your story brings back memories because I remember the vietnam war and the destruction of it. All who served during this time deserve to return and should to be able to get some piece of mind, and they will get this by doing two things and that is by taking a cruise on a Princess Ship which will bring them to one of the countries in which they served and perhaps they too will get some piece of mind as you did. I commend you for being so strong and so sorry for the loss of your mother. Good Luck as you continue to enjoy the pleasures of cruising. I know firsthand because I’ve taken over 20 cruises throughout my lifetime and I’m not ready to stop. Cruising is the way to go, believe me. Not only does it take off the burden and stress of everyday life, especially as we live today, but the relaxation, service, food and entertainment are the best!
Thank you, Les, for your unselfish service to our Country. You are a hero! War is always hell, but the brave warriors who battle for freedom deserve our honor and appreciation. I apologize for the callous, cruel way you were treated when you returned to the Country where you should have been welcomed and loved. Thank God that we learned from that horror that you experienced. Our troops who presently serve are honored and treated with love by volunteers in military support groups. I serve in one of those groups. It is humbling to see such young men and women who put their lives on the line for the cause of freedom.
Les,
I am the wife of a Vietnam Vet who served most of his time in Thailand. Six years ago we visited Thailand and his response was similar to yours. We did not cruise there but we have been on a Princess cruise to Europe and had a great time. We want to return to Asia and see Vietnam. Thank you for your service. By the way my husband was activated with the Air Force reserves in 2004. He was 58 years old and served three months in Afganistan. He has a strong committment to the USA.
What a wonderful woman, your mother. My mother passed away in December and I was touched reading your story. Thank you for sharing it to us.
Les, I have not read the email blogs and was ready to delete it when your title caught my eye. I am so glad I read your story. So many soldiers and families of that era need closure about Viet Nam. My Father served in WWII, Korea, Viet Nam – in the Air Force. He, too, never talked about his experiences in war. You were blessed with a very wise Mother – she knew you needed peace and closure. Thank you for your service!
What a great story–happy you found some closure.I’mCanadian;therefore the Vietnam war did not have the same impact on us as those in the USA.We welcomed many Vietnamese in to this country following the war.Visiting Vietnam is on my “bucket list” and what better way to do it than on a Princess cruise.
Dear Les- What a beautiful story. I am so happy I was on the cruise with you and Christle and was able to share the wreath throwing ceremony. I thank you for your service to our country and hope to see you soon.
Thanks so much for your post Wendy. You guys all helped me get through what might have been a difficult time if it were not for your friendship, support & understanding. Having you all there when I threw the wreath overboard to honor my friend Jack is something I will treasure forever. Once again, Wendy, thanks for your kind words & friendship on the cruise. Please tell Duffy we send our regards.
I was part of a Marine battalion that floated off Gulf Of Tonkin for 50 plus days in 1964. They stopped the ship and let us swim. Also did a beach landing in Chu Lai during 1965. We’re you and your ship part of both these events?
Phil
Phil, yes we were. I remember vividly the 50 plus days we spent off the coast of Nam. We were not involved in the landing in ’65 as we were in Long Beach for some much needed overhaul. It was ’66 when we made a landing at ChuLai and then proceeded to DaNang. I remember well the swim party (?) over the side, it was kind of a relief from the boredom. Stay safe & SemperFi!
Your story left me in tears. I was a female college student during your time in Vietnam and I knew so very little about what your experience was like. I am ashamed that I did not put it in my heart to become knowledgeable about the war. I appreciate your service to our country and apologize for all of us who did not recognize you as a hero for our country. Bless you.
I simply connat understand where the Democrats are coming from. You would think they don’t care anything about this country at all! I just don’t get it. Those that fought in Viet Nam and those who were close to it are the ones to listen to. I lost a LOT of friends there and it’s heartbreaking! What those brave soldiers went through, no one can understand that wasn’t there. They are the ones who know the truth so please listen to them. Those brave soldiers were in HELL. They deserve our praise!
Thank you for sharing your journey, Les. Very moving. What a lovely gift to remember your Mom by. Hope you and your wife enjoy your next Princess cruise.
A very moving account of a mother’s love for her son and the memories of a VietNam veteran. My husband was a Korean War veteran and little is said about those veterans, as with the VietNam veterans. This story brought tears and memories back to me as the widow of a Korean veteran. We owe so much to so many! Thank you for this memorable story!
God bless you, Les. Thank you for your service to our country, and thank you for sharing this wonderful story.
What a beautiful story!!! I enjoyed reading about your Vietnam tour and what a fantastic gift your mother afforded you. My daughter-in-law’s uncle was killed while serving in Vietnam. It has been , and will always be, hard for the family to endure such a great loss. Our family certainly does appreciate all the sacrifices made by you and all of our soldiers serving in all the armed forces. Princess is one way to enjoy going back to visit Vietnam, huh? We have cruised three times with them, and we have thoroughly enjoyed each one. God bless you and your family! We just took the Hawaiian cruise in December. Fantastic!! Enjoy!!
congratulations for healing your heart and surviving a very difficult time. We are thinking of you..carol and joe
Les, such a good story and tribute to your mom. Thank you for your service to our country. I hope you have a wonderful cruise to the Islands. God has blessed you with 2 wonderful women in your life, your mom, and Christle, and you deserve them. I’m glad you took the trip.
Les, thank you for your service. Without you and others who have served, we would not be free. Thank you and may God bless you and your family.
Les,
We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your service to our Country. God Bless You, God Bless our Troops and God Bless America!
les what a wonderful story,I am off to vietnam in august with a group of vets from ausie unfortunatly my darling passed away 9 years ago in may, so will not be with us. I am also off to hawaii in 8 days time for my very first princess cruise. Bless you Les and yes you do have wonderful women to be thankful for
Les, thank you for the insight on your trip to Nam. I to served in country from Nov. 66 to May 68, and was stationed at Da Nang for 7 months of that tour. Reading your story has prompt me to go back, so that I may close the door on that part of my life. As a person in the travel business, I have not made up my mine if I will criuse or tour. Thanks again and bless you and yours.
Thank for sharing your story when you were in Vietnam. My older brother was stationed there too and I remember his stories when he came home for R and R. So, our late Father told me I must write letter to my brother to boost his morale. Now my brother is retired after 30 years of dedicated in the US Navy. GOD Bless all the military people who serve in Vietnam.
First of all Les, thank you for your sacrifice in serving our country! I was very young when the war ended, but even as a young child questioned my parents why the returning serviceman where treated so badly. I have always felt like what you and your brothers in arms endured from the general public was one of the most shameful times in the history of our Country!
Your mother obviously was a very wise woman, and I am so happy for you that she made it possible for you to return to Vietnam-I hope it was all you were looking for it to be!
Your wife Christie sounds like another amazing woman like yoru Mom, and I wish you both all the best in the years to come! Your story made me cry, but also brought me much joy.
May God Bless you and all of our other brave military men and women who put their lives on
the line daily to help us keep our freedom!
Hi Les,
I can’t tell you how touching it was to share with you and Christle the evening you threw the wreath overboard honoring your friend Jack. I know it must have brought closure for you after so many years carrying this burden. Wendy and I will nerver forget it. I’m sure you remember the heartship I went through when I received the news of my brothers passing while on the cruise. Thanks so much to Christle for allowing me to use her computer to communicate to my family back in the states. I hope one day our paths will cross again. Thanks for your service to our country.
With sincere regards, Duffy
Great story and thanks for your service to our country.
It certainly was meant to be and I’m sure as you have written you know why.
Sad you could not have come home to share the story and trip with your Mother.
Princess was my favorite cruise line. We went to southern Carribean cruise and it was terrific. I am concerned however about the breaking story that Princess ignored the distress signals and let two men die a horrible death!!! I’m a fisherman who loves to go out deep sea fishing. But not over 100 miles out! Surely they had to be a little suspiciuos of something wrong???? Hope they have a good reason why they they didn’t help or punish the captain by never aiowing him to sail a ship again! Be watching the news.
I think Princess is greaty. But I hope they act quickly on the bad news of ignoring a boat over 100 miles offshore and ban the captain from sailing their ships again!!!!
Thanks for any other informative blog. Where else may just I get that kind of info wriettn in such an ideal approach? I have a venture that I am just now operating on, and I have been at the glance out for such info.
Les, I am so glad you were able to visit Vietnam, this time in happier circumstances. Bless your mother for enabling you to revisit the past, and come to terms with life as you experienced it.
I have no relatives who served anywhere in times of war, and so I have actually always felt a need to visit those countries where so many of our servicemen fought and died for freedom. Having been to the Somme, Normandy, Gallipoli, El Alamein, Vietnam and just recently Cambodia, also Birkenau and Auschwitz, Dacchau and many other concentration camp areas, I have experienced in turn, anger and horror at the waste of lives and the cruelty of dreadful regimes and atrocities committed, sadness, deep emotion, and gratitude to all those young men who laid down their lives so that we/others may live in peace and harmony. We live in a fragile world, we owe so much to those who have gone before, and we need to always remember that life is short, life is precious, freedom is something to treasure forever. May the Mothers of all those beautiful sons who didn’t come home be comforted by the fact that the graves of their boys are well cared for,in so many foreign lands.
I am still visibly affected by my recent visit to Cambodia and the Killing Fields. Like so many other countries affected by sad and tragic happenings, Cambodia has risen from the ashes with dignity and courage. I experienced the same feelings in Vietnam when we were there a few years ago.
Bless you Les, I wish you many years of peace and good health.
Very meaningful and well written remembrance.
A meaningful and well written remembrance.