I HAVE NO SHAME

I HAVE NO SHAME

I have no shame.
I am a Vietnam vet.
I have no shame.

I was called to serve and even volunteered.
I have no shame.

I fought the battles and was not allowed to fight a war.
I have no shame.

I never ran away or drifted across any foreign border.
I have no shame.

I fought for what I thought my country wanted and never faltered.
I have no shame.

While I was away with pride in my heart, you demonstrated against me (causing me great pain).
I have no shame.

When I came home, I was told not to wear my uniform with pride.
I have no shame.

I left my blood and buddies over there.
I have no shame.

In all the years I was at war, I never felt so much pain as when I came home.
I have no shame.

Why didn’t you love me when I came home?
I am a Vietnam vet.
I have no shame.

--Gunther Schauer (1966)