Since 2006 when I began this blog, I've come a long way with the things I've carried in the wake of the Vietnam War, and I questioned the wisdom of visiting those memories today. After a walk with a friend down by Bellingham Bay this morning and meeting with a group of friends afterward, I decided to risk opening old wounds in the hope of finding some healing for those old wounds.
Outside the theater, I recognized a Vietnam veteran who speaks in the local schools as a member of Veterans for Peace. There were two other men of similar age along with a few women who looked to be in their 60s. The event was sparsely attended. There may have been a few younger people, but most of the men and woman appeared to be in their 60s or older. After the movie, there was a short discussion facilitated by one of the booksellers from Village Books.
It was a wise decision for me to be there today. I can look back, look at the present, and also look forward without the haunted feeling that I lived with for so long.
What I've posted below is a similar recent book talk on The Things They Carried. It's worth listening to. After an introduction, Tim O'Brien begins speaking at about 3:40:
