Photo Vietnam....courtesy of Edward Blanco.....Pieces: The Recollections of Rifleman Blanco

THE ANGELS OF VIETNAM

by Diana Waite

They were angels of mercy dressed in white,
or frequently fatigue green,
They were happy to lend a helping hand
and work behind the scenes.
Whether as an air traffic controller,
a photographer, therapist or nurse,
They were there in Vietnam,
a battleground that was cursed.
They may not have been allowed to fly
or fight while carrying a gun,
But they each did their part,
they went the distance, and then some.
  They bled and died, and they suffered
right along with the men,
And for their country, if needed,
they would gladly do it again.
They weren’t recognized as heroes,
hardly acknowledged at all,
But where would America be
had they not also answered the call?
They willingly did the mundane jobs
while freeing men to fight,
They held the hands of dying friends,
throughout the long, dark night.
Vietnam was not a popular war
and much patriotism seems to be gone,
But don’t think it was never there—
far too many didn’t come home.
So when you see a woman in uniform,
or a civilian volunteer,
Think of what they gave in Vietnam
and give them a hearty cheer.
For all the brave women who went and
served their country so well,
They’ve earned their angel wings already
while in that Vietnam hell.

Written August 5, 2001

Read about Diana on her poem "Images of Freedom"