I met a Veteran's son at Chick Filet of all places. This happened about a month ago. I wear a Veteran Cap with the electric strawberry on it (25th INF Div). A man came up to me and thanked me for serving. Then he told me his Father was in the 25th during Vietnam (Cu Chi).
He told me his Dad told him two things about his Service: 1) "I didn't fight for my country, Son. I fought to survive. I just wanted to come home alive. 2) I found God. Until I was over there, I could take or leave Church. I still feel that way. But not about God. He saved me many times."

So we ended up talking for half an hour. If I had my wits about me, I would have written his Dad's name down. He told me that he and his Father went to the Medal of Honor Museum at Patriot's Point in SC. The new National Museum will be in Arlington, Texas. Opening in 2025.
Then he told me his Dad had earned several Medals, one of which was the DSC. I said the only one higher is the Medal of Honor. He already knew that. He showed me his Father's Award and the Citation with a picture of his Dad when he got the Medal, in the middle of a Field in Vietnam.

He took a picture of me and texted it to his Dad. And he told me he would see if his Dad knew one of my best friends in the Army. Colonel Pellici who did several tours in Vietnam with the Wolfhounds.
So I thought I would post this for you Combat Vets. If you have children old enough to understand (this kid was about forty five or so) tell them your stories.
This kid said his Dad didn't tell him everything , but he told him things he didn't tell anyone else. He said he grew to understand some of his Dad's "moods" and recognize when his Dad needed to sit alone in the dark with the TV off.
And this is a direct quote from the kid (I know I say kid, but he was an adult, it is just that anyone under sixty looks like a kid to me.)
"I got to know my Dad as a man. As a scared 19 year old worrying about living till tomorrow and whether his girl would wait for him to come home. My belief in God, I owe to my Father. He is my Hero."

That kid, was grateful for the stories his Dad shared with him. So, if you can, tell those you love some of what you went through, or how you felt. He feels his Dad left a legacy with him to cherish. Your stories help.

I salute all of you who went through the hell of war. Those that love you are there to listen. Just like this kid did.