Those of us, who remember veterans that returned from Viet Nam shattered in mind, body, and spirit, know that we need to not go another day in Iraq.
Marge and Frank, Parents of an Army Soldier, Proud Members MFSO

Dear Senator Kerry,

When our two sons were very young, you came to a small parade in
Ware to walk with the local VVA on Veteran’s Day.  We were a little known town of mostly blue-collar families many of whom were struggling veterans from Viet Nam.  Your presence was greatly appreciated and is still talked about today. 

Our youngest son, now 19, had just joined the Army this past Christmas.  He will finish basic training by early March and could be in Iraq by Mother’s Day. 

We know that you don’t as yet support the immediate withdrawal of troops form Iraq.  From what we have read recently the initial plan for withdrawal from Viet Nam was also meant to be done over a number of months to offer greater stabilization to the country.  Once we realized the serious threat this would be to US troops we changed our plan to an immediate withdrawal for the safety of all concerned.  We support the use of this same plan also for our troops in Iraq.  We, as a country, have strongly shown recently that we now stand against this war and as parents do not want to loose a child over a needless, unnecessary war that never should have been started in the first place.  We need to stop this day and not sacrifice the life of another child; young parent, spouse or loved one.

Our son came to us at age five though adoption but had already struggled those first years on the streets of Worcester.  In some ways, his life had already started to end.  He would never have the self-esteem and confidence that his older brother and others share who have had more stable early lives.

When you went to Iraq in October and talked about the flagged coffin returning to Dover AFB of a GI killed in Iraq, you said that we needed to come to grips with our choices.  Those of us, who remember veterans that returned from Viet Nam shattered in mind, body, and spirit, know that we need to not go another day in Iraq.  This unjust war needs to end now and we need to begin to rebuild the lives and spirits of those we have again shattered through another senseless act of war. 

Sincerely

Marge and Frank
Proud Family Members MFSO