On behalf of a grateful nation

To the editor:

On behalf of a grateful nation, we apologize. For your suffering, so often given in vain, the insane masses gave taunts, scorns or simply forgot.

You never thought to demand our respect and appreciation, you selfless heroes. The depth of our gratitude can never be measured. It exists deep down in the hearts of the proud and emanates from the faces of the reverent.

We live with our failure for neglecting to properly remember you. The shackles of shame harness our souls. We will not deny our fervor for your plight. We won’t forget the friends you watched die for us. Holding your anguish close to our hearts will be our mission until our days end, for we have those days because of you.

With the thanks of the faceless masses we wish you, our beloved veterans, well and pray your nightmares cease in perpetuity. Helplessly, we hope that is enough. May the memory of our failure to honor you haunt us until your pain is avenged. So, our friends, on behalf of a grateful nation, we apologize.

Marcus T. Reum

Wasilla

Editor’s note: Marcus T. Reum asked that we publish his letter on Memorial Day to show respect and gratitude to veterans. He said he’d especially like to recognize Vietnam veterans, including his father who died three years ago — the late Leighton E. Reum who was a decorated and wounded veteran of the 101st Airborne.