I received my annual letter from my older brother, Jim, today. With the best of intentions he makes me cry every year because he takes the time to really think about his words. Jim is the tallest and oldest in this picture.

This year was no different. He cares so much about veterans and their service but he especially cares about me and my service during the Vietnam War. I get depressed on Memorial Day because although I wish to honor my comrades, it is also a day where my mind is forced to reckon with their loss. 

Jim's letters have a way of lifting my spirits and that's a good thing. He reminded me in this year's Memorial Day letter about a song he wrote and recorded for me. I cherish this song and hope to somehow have it played for Vietnam Veterans all over the world. It was a different kind of war but just as painful. 

First, I'd like for the world to read his letter to me and then I ask you to take the time to listen to the magnificent poetry he writes in his song, "When Tommy Comes Marching Home".

Thank you again Jim.

Here is Jim's letter:

You thought I forgot.  Didn’t you?  Never gonna happen.  Years keep flying by.  We all get too busy for our own good trying to reach that number, whatever it is.  Maybe it’s true that the further we get away from the ‘60s and ‘70s there are just too many other recent wars and conflicts that occupy our emotions and our need to honor those who choose to serve.  While it’s always been a struggle for the general populace to equate Vietnam with World War I and II, Korea, the Gulf and the ongoing Iraq/Afghanistan war, I, for one, will never be conflicted as to the American heroism that was perpetuated there.   

When Tommy came home, he wasn’t really marching.  He was just Tommy, changed forever, conflicted about the who he was, the why he had enlisted in the first place and where this new Tommy would take him.  Well, as I’ve written about in previous yearly emails, he went out and conquered many worlds and raised a great family with the help of a great woman.  Through it all, he traveled the world, made many friends, helped many in need and dined with kings of industry, sport and entertainment.

So, now he faces another brutal challenge late in life and yet the experience gained in that war so many, many years ago, holds him in great stead.  Win or lose, like the Marine he once was, he vows to take this battle to the very end.

For that and his service, on this Memorial Day 2013, I honor him and again say how truly proud I am of Tommy who came home.

Thank God for that.

Love,

Jim

To hear Jim sng his song click HERE. (My youngest brother Michael plays the electric guitar licks)