Another Day of Infamy

Veterans’ Voices is directed toward veterans and their families who have given so much to ensure our freedom in this country. This is an area where you may share your experiences, or read of other veterans’ experiences. We thank you for your service, and hope that you know how much you are loved and appreciated.

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January 6, 2021.

Another day of infamy (as seen from the eyes and felt through the heart of a veteran of The United States of America).

I casually turned on the television and, like other mornings, sat down with my coffee and my dog to watch and “surf” between channels MSNBC and CNN. That was when I saw the scene that had started earlier at the Capital Building of the Country that I love and respect enough to have served it, in the past with my life.

I can only imagine how other veterans felt as each one watched the confused, wild, and well-led individuals and groups that broke into, climbed and defaced walls, broke windows, broke into offices and meeting rooms, started fires, forced evacuation of some areas, and wounded or killed some of the policemen and other capital security personnel.

Where was the National Guard, the Marine Corp, and the many other military and security forces that had been present in the exact same area of Washington, D.C., in the very recent past? Where were the president and vice-president?

We have been advised, after the fact; why was there no warning and how could there have not been responders and groups on the scene sooner? I am certain that each veteran has questions and concerns about the unreal situation that occurred that day, unexpectedly. We will never know how hard this situation was on their lives.

We do not currently know what effect it had on those with chronic and critical issues, such as PTSD, dementia, and/or other similar health problems that affect the many veterans out there. (Even bringing the subject up may have a negative effect for many of them. I sure do. I am aware of that feeling as the debacle plays over and over on the television news).

Here are some of the effects of watching the disaster unfold in live action before my eyes.

First, I said, “what the hell?” Then I began to watch for a long time, as it progressed and got worse. Something hard to believe. Views of people breaking windows, doors, climbing walls, wielding weapons from real firearms to sticks and metal objects, sprays, shoving, and hurting the few police on site, forcing their ways into parts of the building, complete, uncontrolled mayhem.

I went into anger, complete dismay, kindled by this ravage on a part of my Capitol. I will never forget the scenes (which are often played back on the television for us). I still do not want to believe it, but it is and will always be there. May God be with us all and may we always have faith that this kind of act against our freedom and liberty will be quickly handled in a righteous and complete manner.

— By Glen H.

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I totally agree. Where were the authorities? If they can get past all of security that fast, how safe are all of us in our own home? It doesn’t make any difference if you are Democrat of Republican. The Capitol belongs to all of us.

Any comments, email AboutVets@yahoo.com.

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— Royal D. Goodman, U.S. Army / Vietnam,

1st Cav/9th Infantry