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Article Last Updated: Sunday, February 16, 2003 - 5:19:26 AM MST

OTHER ARTICLES IN THIS SECTION 2/18/2003 - Foothills housing plan a winner - Azusa ready for Phase 2 - Doubters will help assure true democratic victory in Iraq - We should forestall the worst, spend homeland security money now - Venezuela on road to totalitarianism Finally, Vietnam vets are welcome at home By Jose G. Ramos There were many casualties that day dead and wounded on both sides of the conflict. I have relived that day thousands of times while sleeping and while awake. For years I hung my head and hid my "veteran face' because when I came home, somehow, I had turned into the bad guy, the enemy, so to speak. I lived that way for too many years. I have survived not only the war but now I have survived my guilt. On Feb. 19, exactly 35 years after the ambush, I will be at the exact location on the Ca Ty River where it all began or it all ended, I am not sure which. But this time the anniversary will be different, because I know that a change is in the wind back home in the USA, just like there is a difference in my heart today. This anniversary I will not be there to mourn or grieve or hate. I will be there to thank and praise the warriors on both sides of the river who paid the ultimate price. I will be there to pray for the spirits of those men, who I know are in the hands of God. More importantly, I will pray for the spirits of those who survived Vietnam so that they may have peace in their hearts and the courage to raise their heads with honor and dignity. I will pray that those veterans who still suffer because of the consequences of the war will come out from under the bridge, or out from the fog of alcohol or drugs, or out from behind that mask and accept their proper place in our community, our society and our country. I hope that veterans all over our great country hear this call and answer by standing tall, being proud and remembering our most important code of all: "We never leave a fellow warrior behind.' Veterans helping veterans. I hope others will spread the word of this great movement being born. If you feel it is time to welcome home our Vietnam veterans, show your support by sending a postcard to President George W. Bush, P.O. Box 556, Whittier, CA. 90608. In May I will be glad to personally hand deliver your postcard or letter to the White House. I will also need your prayers. Thank you Whittier. And to all you Vietnam veterans out there, be happy Jan. 27 is your welcome home day.

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