This Madness Must End
by Rita Clement [Rita Clement's son, Brian, is serving in Iraq.]

I would like to share with you a part from the most recent letter we received from our son.

I've never experienced a lot of things before that are happening to me now, some good some not so fun. It is interesting to talk to the few Iraqis that are friendly (not all the ones working on post like us) and yet it is scary to think that the guy I talk to today, could have been the one shooting at me last week, which is an experience I never want to have again. There's just something about being shot at that really scares me. My LT lost her leg the other day and it really pounded the reality of the situation here into my head. I feel so bad; yet cannot think of it, because we have to be so alert all the time. Life is chill till about ten every night when they shoot mortars at us. I don't fear being hurt, but thinking of Spud and my friends every day scares me a ton. I don't know how I'm gonna react if someone dies. I love your letters, even though they make me cry. I'm so happy/proud that you guys can support me and yet still express all your opinions on this so openly. I love you all tons and am doing everything I can to protect myself over here.

Rita Clement and Carole Whelan are members of Veterans for Peace, and Maine Families Speak Out

 

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Back to Peace Talk Index, Summer, 2004