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Letter to the Editor

By Richard H. Skiba, Jr.

Did They Really "GIVE" Their Lives?

I did not serve in Vietnam. I was placed in federal custody for the crime of my birthday on May 25, 1971, until May 15, 1973, with my probation ending on May 24, 1977. I took the oath of "incarceration" under duress, to which I no longer had a legal right. Since my February 15th birthday in 1969, I have endured each February 15's unwelcome greetings.

I write about this year's Memorial Day. We pause a bit before we enjoy our three-day weekend to honor those who gave their lives for the defense of America, even if it wasn't America being defended.

Yet, as to drafted KIA Vietnam Veterans, this is a sham. The question America is afraid to address is, did those drafted KIA Vietnam Veterans "give" their lives for their country, or were their lives taken by their country?

—Richard H. Skiba, Jr.
Palatine, IL