In June, 1969, as a Marine Major, I was nearing the end of a 13 month tour of duty near Danang in the Republic of Vietnam. Back in the states, the big news items were student unrest, with protests and sit-ins, race riots, pollution of air and water, and opposition to the Vietnam conflict. I had enough time and was inspired to write down some of my thoughts in poetic form. Eventually I submitted my efforts to LEATHERNECK Magazine and it was published therein in October 1972. Apparently it came to the attention of Dr. Time Lee Carter, a Representative from Kentucky who was sufficiently impressed to have it read into The Congressional Record on October 18, 1972. A personal copy was forwarded to me from the office of the House Majority Leader, Congressman Gerald Ford. I have it framed in my den and a copy is presented below:

In R-V-N across the sea, 'tween battles when we pause,
we hear and read, in news from home, the protests 'gainst our cause.

We're told of violence in the streets, of smog that fills the air,
of strikes and riots, hate and fear - confusion everywhere.

"What's happened?" cried a few at first. Their numbers now have grown.
"Where will it end?" you hear them ask. The answers are not known.

"I had a dream---" a man once said. It may have cost his life,
but now I too would dream amidst this distant strife.

I dream of getting on a plane on my rotation date,
and walking in a promised land beyond the "Golden Gate."

I see a land where flowers grow beside each road and street,
Where trash is placed in litter cans to keep our country neat.

Where river waters crystal clear and so's the sky above.
Where neighbors all can coexist with naught but thoughts of love.

Where those who fly the flag each day will not be ostracized.
Where strangers smile and say, "Hello." A greeting highly prized.

Where servicemen in uniform are greeted with respect
by all their grateful countrymen whose freedom they protect.

Where prejudice is known no more. Where love prevails, not hate.
Where all are treated just the same. Let's pray it's not too late.

Where Negro and Caucasian walk with Gentile and with Jew,
with Protestant and Catholic as brothers tried and true.

Where honesty in government's accepted practice, and
the people all respect the laws laid down throughout the land.

Where people walk the streets at night with ne'er a thought of fear
that they might not get home again because some danger's near.

Where, if a danger should appear, reaction would be fast,
and cries for help are heeded by the strangers going past.

Where children learn while they are young to listen and obey,
For knowledge gained in grammar school will guide them on their way.

Where college men, and women too, use all their time to learn,
the many thing they need to know to lead us in their turn,

instead of wasting so much time in protest "sitting in,"
while precious time is passing by. To waste it is a sin.

Where men have opportunities to earn a decent wage
at work that gives them pride in self to last them through old age.

Where every man is free to vote without a tax or test
to see if he is smart enough to choose the one that's best.

Where churches fill on Sunday morn and grateful people pray
to thank their God, in their own way, for what is theirs today.

Then I wake up and realize that it was just a dream,
but I am curious and I ask myself, "What does it mean?"

The answer's there - that you and I must reap what we have sown.
We have ourselves, and no one else, to blame for what we own.

We owe it to our ancestors who gave their very best,
and to our children, after us, to straighten up our mess.

And so I say to those of you who love the USA,
to those who want to stand with pride to see a better day.

"Let's start right now, with honest toil, together! I'm with you."
With faith in God, we'll overcome and make this dream come true.

Eric H. Wieler
29 June 1969

My American Dream Read into The Congressional Record on October 18, 1972 Defending Freedom Awarded a George Washington Honor Medal in 1967

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