Heidelberg Alumni News
Article by Chichi - Class of 1985

A Soldier’s Daughter

I am a soldier’s daughter. My father has medals that in their silent and stoic beauty whisper proudly to
me of his valor, his courage, and his bravery in a far-away, dusty jungle that I have never been to and
can barely imagine. They are a window to a faded side of my father that I have never seen. Proud as
the medals are and as proud as I am of them, they are all tarnished with the sadness and shame that
clings possessively to American memories of Vietnam. I don’t have to mention what images and
emotions they recall. Unfortunately, we all know too well.

I grew up with our Army and foreign armies and made regular trips to American consular offices. I
recall vividly the purposeful stride and important air of all the soldiers working together to achieve and
sustain what every soldier holds most dear: peace. I remember trips to our safe haven, the consulate,
in which one never heard a raised voice, where one felt safe being on “American ground”. I also
remember trips past reels of barbed wire heavily guarded by the well-armed police force of our host
nation, seeing the same people I’d seen for years exuding calm professionalism suddenly losing their
nerves as we were able to see and even smell their fear and anxiety while escorted in and out under
the watchful eyes and quiet strength of the Marine guard. Unlike those Americans who grew up in the
States, I always knew what terrorism was. I knew that the soldiers I walked past and shared jokes with
were there for my protection at their own personal risk. Our soldiers always looked handsome and
brave in their uniforms, even after long and sleepless nights. The faithful embassy Marine guards
looked dashing and fearless in their pristine red, white, and blue – a romantic reflection of our flag. Our
soldiers made me feel safe when American symbols were being desecrated and Americans
themselves were being taken hostage and murdered.

I grew up being very proud of being American. I grew up in a world where one stood at attention as the
soldiers raised and lowered the flag to the National Anthem. I grew up saying the Pledge of Allegiance
in school and hearing the National Anthem played in theaters. I grew up with the knowledge that being
American meant enjoying privileges brave and good people made horrific sacrifices for. I grew up
hearing tales of the gracious generosity and cheerful kindness of the American soldiers in Europe
during and after World War II. We were known for our decency, our charity, our compassion. That is
the America I grew up being so proud to belong to. Now we are better known for our stubborn and
cocky attitude, our arrogance, our ignorance, our double standards, and our prisons.

I wonder that no one seems to take notice of the fact that our soldiers are not standing alone in
Afghanistan with only the seemingly blindly devoted, but most sincerely appreciated support of the UK
troops as they are in Iraq. Since 2003, 35 nations have stood by our side on a NATO-commanded
mission in Afghanistan. I wonder how many Americans are aware of that fact. I would have supported
a humanitarian action led by the United Nations in Iraq, but never a “preemptive” war. However, much
as we like to pay homage to our sacred cow Democracy, we do not really have enough faith in it to
allow it to actually work. Our soldiers are now trapped in Iraq, our Vietnam revisited in so many harsh
ways. It would seem the only thing we now have left to lose in Iraq is our pride and time will take care
of that. Our President has let us down; our Congress has let us down; our Supreme Court has let us
down; our government has let us down; our corporate leaders have let us down. Yet it is our soldiers
who bear their indignity, shame, and - yes, I will say it - disgrace by having eggs thrown in their faces,
being spit upon, having their funerals protested.

Let us bring our soldiers home from Iraq. Let the National Guard do just that – guard the nation. Let the
Army Reserve return to their homes and families, their jobs, their lives. Let our soldiers return to
meaningful work, even if that means making meaningful sacrifices. Let us restore freedom and
democracy to our country. After all, we have paid a heavy price for just that – or so we have been led
to believe. Let us find some compassion within our hearts and practical answers for our injured
soldiers and their futures. Let us make taking care of our own citizens in need our priority. Let us put
some focus on our economy. Before we make a decision to send the men and women we love dearly
and are so indebted to away to war, let us be willing to send our own sons and daughters to the front
lines for the cause. I am proud of our soldiers. I respect and honor the sacrifices they make for us. It is
our duty to care for and protect the men and women who serve our country … and us.

© Chichi, 2006