Subject: The Wandering Solder

Date: Mon, 23 Nov 1998 18:56:55 -0800

From: "Randall \"rrhino\" Belchik" <rxx@xxx.com>

To: <webmaster@vietquoc.com>

I was very touched by your story. I hope that as the United States moves ever closer to all Asian nations, and especially Viet Nam, that

the truth will out. Only now is the Japanese "occupation" of Nan King (Peking) (Beijing) being brought out into the open. So too are

the facts about the horrible atrocities of Unit 51, the Japanese "Medical Battalion" which conducted experiments of incredible cruelty

and of no scientific benefit upon living prisoners of war and captured civilians.

Please, do what you can to have the shameful and undeserved insult removed from the burial place of our young men who now make

your country their last earthly residence.

The political why of the war may never be fully understood. I am sore aware that our soldiers grew cynical and disenchanted, and were

deeply hurt by those at home who insulted them personally for taking part in the war. I am aware that war makes all men brutish to

one degree or another. But of this I am certain. I am proud of each American who went to Vietnam, and who was engaged in the

fighting there. By every, I mean each, for I am also certain that not one "G.I."would have gone to your tiny country if there were even a

hint that the objective was to enslave or harm your people.

The intent of the common soldier, no matter how maddened or disillusioned he may have become in the course of his service in "the

Nam" was not evil. I cannot imagine any of them calling themselves "noble" in their pursuit, but I contend just that.

Were the Americans too conceited? Probably. Naive, certainly.

Uninformed? Woefully so. But honorable in risking their lives - giving their lives -in an effort they believed was intended to help the

average man and woman in Vietnam escape or avoid the clutches of tyranny. Most did not want to come, but when they did come, it

was not to destroy but to save.

And I know God blesses everyone. I wish with all my heart that the story of the Statue is true, and that he will continue his mission:

letting the people of Vietnam know in their heart of hearts that this was his, and "our" intention in the horrid "little" conflict that so

damaged each of our nations.

With Warmest Regards,

Randall rrhino Belchik

Tracy, California