In Harm's Way - Forty Years Ago

I'm not certain many young people know a lot about U.S. history, not even as recent as 1968.

A lot of things were happening that year. Because of the Vietnam War young men were being drafted from every town and city in America. Many enlisted in order to have preference of branch of service. (Drafted men served two years. Enlisted men served 3 or 4 years, depending on the terms of their enlistment.) The local lady who served as secretary to the draft board was unkindly looked upon as a witch by those wondering if their number would be next. Single men first. Married men were further down the list.

One of my brothers joined the Air Force. Another joined the Navy and served on the USS Kearsarge. A third was unable to serve because of an eye injury suffered ten years prior. Many of my classmates were in the service. One flew choppers over Vietnam. Several others were in the infantry.

Vietnam was in the news on a daily basis.

The year 1968 was a year of crisis for America. On January 23 the capture of the USS Pueblo by the North Koreans put huge emphasis on the Cold War. A week later the Tet Offensive in Vietnam hit the news like the bombshell that it was.

The Associated Press reports on this year's reunion of shipmates of the USS Pueblo.

I'm no great historian nor politician. But I do highly appreciate the men and women who have served and who are serving on behalf of our nation. Veteran's Day 2008 is still two months away but in light of today's news of the Pueblo reunion, I salute all our brave men and women, and in particular, those who serve in harm's way.
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