>>"The dead know one thing: It is better to be alive!", Full Metal Jacket.
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>Terry;
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>That may or may not be true! My dad was in the United States Marine Corp, and one of the battles he “enjoyed” was Okinawa, from April 1 1945 to June 14, 1945. I am communicating with other people who had fathers that went through this specific battle. Any battle is something that no one should have to endure.
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>Okinawa was the worst battle of World War II in all too many ways. The effects felt by many of the “survivors” destroyed relationships and lives. There is no glory in war – only carnage and the aftermath. Then you hang up your rifle and equipment and go home to a “normal life”.
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>You would be amazed at what demons haunt the survivors. They are alive but forever changed as human beings as we know or knew them. It is only recently that we are beginning to appreciate what happens to survivors of such actions as my father and so many others were a part of.
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>Tom

I agree - just the "thought" of being killed or maimed - or killing and maiming others gives me the jeebies. There was another line from that movie: "In the rear with the gear!" - I identified easily with that one. But [at least], I am happy that this thread was not a wake for JVP. The world would miss him!