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The year is 1966, the crowds are rejoicing as the
University of South Carolina Gamecocks have just won their
first football game of the season. As fans are running out
onto the field celebrating the victory, a few spectators are
burning an American flag.
For a young Patrick “Clebe” McClary, a football coach at the
university, the burning colors were enough to ignite the fire in his
heart. At the age of 26, Clebe McClary left the university and
headed to Parris Island, South Carolina, to begin his journey as a
United States Marine. After stepping on the yellow footprints of
Parris Island, McClary was one of seven recruits pulled due to their
college education to go to Quantico, Virginia, to become an officer.
Retired 1st Lt. McClary, along with thousands of other men and
women, joined during a time when our country was not only at war but
was struggling with internal turmoil. American citizens were staging
anti-war protests and desecrating American flags.
“The
country was so torn up about the war that they couldn’t separate the
veteran from the war itself, so they painted us with a pretty dark
brush,” said former Cpl. Robert Waters, Vietnam veteran.
Instead of returning to parades, our troops returned home to riots
and protests.
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Retired 1st Lt. Patrick C. McClary, guest speaker for the POW/MIA
observance and core values training, addresses Marines and veterans
during an event held at the chapel at Marine Corps Air Station
Miramar, Calif., Sept. 15. McClary, who served in the Vietnam War,
shared his story along with the disrespect that some Americans
displayed upon the troops return when the war ended that was
compounded by biased media reports. McClary also spoke about the
importance of the core values and suicide prevention. (U.S. Marine
Corps photos by Cpl. Andrianna Talbo)
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“We were told when we got off the airplane
that we should change into civilian clothes,” said retired Maj. Gen.
Bob Butcher, Vietnam veteran. “We were told not to wear our uniforms
outside the gate because if we did, we would get spit on… It was not
a pleasant experience. I was often spit at, had things thrown at me
and was cursed at—but it was a job and I did it.”
These
Vietnam veterans were given the worst kind of treatment when they
returned home; their service and sacrifice forgotten, and for some,
they had to carry the scars from war.
After half a century,
these veterans are finally getting recognition for their tremendous
service and sacrifice, and it is only fitting that at this year’s
air show, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and 3rd Marine Aircraft
Wing honor their brothers and sisters with “A Salute To Vietnam
Veterans.”
“I’m just here to thank the troops for what they
have done,” said McClary, who was seriously wounded during the war,
losing his left arm and left eye. “People owe them a lot but I owe
them my life. If it weren’t for the young men on that hill in
Vietnam and men that gave their lives, I wouldn’t be here. If it
hadn’t been for an 18 year-old wife that loved me, cared for me and
gave me a reason—a will to live—I’d be dead. I owe the youth of
American a lot so I just try to thank them. That’s why I do what I
do.”
McClary is a professional speaker and has become a
symbol of courage and hope to many active-duty service member and
veterans. In honor of National POW/MIA Recognition Day, McClary
spoke about core values and suicide prevention at the MCAS Miramar
Chapel, Sept. 15.
“If I had to do it all again, I would,”
said McClary. “This country is worth living for and dying for, we
aren’t perfect but we are better than anything else I know about.”
By U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Kimberlyn Adams
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2017
Vietnam War Veterans |
The U.S. Marines
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