An internet feature that highlights events from a date’s history caught Papa’s eye the other day. (Speaking of eyes there is a delay in this posting by a rest from viewing screens following eye surgery.) The event in question brought back a memory of a day I kicked myself for many years ago. It was 1971. I was in Vietnam. I was stationed as close to 100% safe as one could be under the circumstances. However, there were certain times in which Papa needed to exercise extra caution. Going off base was always one such time. I was more or less able to plan such trips as most times I had no deadlines.
Yet, deep into my deployment I lost my sense of caution when I made arrangements for off base travel. I didn’t pay attention. There was no emergency for me to travel. It was routine and could have been done on any day over a week or two timeframe. Yet, I picked that date in history for my foray. When I stepped out of my vehicle at the destination I was confronted by an enraged Top of the top and biggest sergeant in the military who demanded to know if I the dumbest guy in the military. I had driven through the streets of Saigon where there had been a series of explosions, ambushes and attacks. Several had been within blocks of where I stood face to face with the sergeant armed and ready in full combat gear. “We are under attack,” are words I can remember to this day. Of all days to stay on base safe and sound still nags at my conscience.
That day in history was the day of the Presidential election. A day the enemy was doing their best to disrupt. Yes, Top…Papa did feel fairly stupid that day.