Healing

The Vietnam Veterans

by Ron Colson
10/30/25
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Remembering and Honoring Our Vietnam Veterans

Dear reader,

This poem was jsut written after receiving news of yet another fallen brother from my Army unit—a sobering reminder that the ranks of Vietnam veterans are thinning as time marches on. It is my hope that these words help us pause and consider the price these men paid, the wounds many still bear, and the deep honor due them.

The soldiers from that war are “quickly passing on.” Indeed, statistics show that as of 2025, approximately 850,000 Vietnam veterans remain alive in the United States, a sharp decline from generations past. Many carry stories filled with valor, loss, and unspoken grief. Some will be forgotten by the world’s quick pages, but our prayer and trust is that each one will “find themselves with God and King on high,” their eternal home secure (Psalm 23:6; Revelation 21:4, KJV).

Your heart will resonate with the poem’s remembrance of how these men returned home—not to cheers, but often to jeers—and yet stood tall, doing their duty at great personal cost. “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). Though the world may have misunderstood or labeled them harshly, God sees every sacrifice and honors them beyond what men can offer.

The horrific sights and trials endured in Vietnam were beyond comprehension for anyone, especially young men barely grown. Jesus Himself sympathizes with our grief and burden: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, KJV). The poem reminds us these were boys sent to war too soon, facing horrors no one should face. God’s comfort is profoundly needed for these souls.

Grief follows many veterans—particularly for those brothers who died in their arms or beside them. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4, KJV). The depth of loss is known to God who Himself bears our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4). Every veteran’s heartache is held tenderly in His hand.

The poem urges us, as readers and fellow citizens, to show kindness—a smile, time spent listening, and prayer. Such simple acts carry great weight: “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, KJV). Compassion reflects Christ’s love and honors the sacrifice given by these men heeding their country’s call.

Finally, the poem ends with a call to intercession, inviting the reader to pray for veterans who served with courage and continue in quiet trials. Prayer is powerful—a means God uses to strengthen, heal, and bless those who served and their families (James 5:16, KJV). May all who read be moved to remember, respect, and reach out in love.