I was fortunate to be selected for participation in a “for Veterans’ Day” program (it was prepared in October and subsequently edited for radio). My host was a professional interviewer, Mary Ann Lisney, who regularly prepares feature programs for Canadian radio.
This one was aired on a British Columbia (Canada) radio station, November 11th. The show was celebrating both American and Canadian military (including Red Cross) who served or supported operations in Vietnam 45-50 years ago. Penetrating questions were tendered to each guest speaker, like myself, and every single story evolved into numerous poignant memories and recollections …less about bursting bombs and firing M-16s, more about introspections and lingering remembrances. I was able to lift two particularly moving events that I wrote about in my book, “Just Dust” published this last summer (for specific book information, go to Amazon.com).
Before and after each interview, a number of popular 1960s era songs were played …numerous lyric-appropriate songs from Simon & Garfunkel’s “A Bridge Over Troubled Waters” to Nat King Cole’s “Stardust” and about a half dozen sing-along favorites in between.
All in all, it was an apt tribute to veterans in general, of course; but, it was indeed and honor and privilege to participate in such an event.