Billy Walkabout: Rest Easy, Hero

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Billy Walkabout, a native Cherokee whose actions in Vietnam made him among most decorated soldiers of the war, died March 7 at a hospital in Norwich, .... [source]

I am bringing you this today, because I believe such heroes should not go unrecognised by us, the general public, as they serve their country. Billy Walkabout was one of those heroes whose life after his service in Vietnam was coloured, shaped, by all that he saw. Walkabout received the Distinguished Service Cross, Purple Heart, five Silver Stars and five Bronze Stars. He was believed to be the most decorated Native American Soldier of the Vietnam War, according to U.S. Department of Defense reports.

"War is not hell," Walkabout said. "It's worse."........ (1986 AP interview)

But, later he found peace in his native traditions. Within his native community, he was ALWAYS treated as an "honored guest", immersing himself in the traditions of the natives which stretch back to the beginning of time. Again in 1986, Billy Walkabout said:

"I'm at peace with myself, ... "I've got my dignity and I've got my pride. ... I never lost the war in Vietnam, I never lost a day of it. Even when I was wounded, I didn't lose. When I fought, I won. I won my wars."

He was noted as a storyteller. Walkabout's stepdaughter says of him:

"Although he was very private and traditional, he was a storyteller. He always told us he felt it was his duty and his honor to serve his country." (my emphasis)

As I have read about this hero last week, I was reminded how many stories every single one of these brave warriors has to tell us; reminded how many of them serve their country with honour and dignity and then are not usually heard of again until they pass on. The First Warrior Project is an attempt to address the anonymity of some of their own, of OUR own heroes. You can read more about them here.

these patriotic veterans are America’s ‘forgotten warrior

This hero, Billy Walkabout, was buried with full native honours, including a 4 day ceremony according to Cherokee traditions. The family is requesting a full military burial at Arlington. Seems to me, this is the least we can do for this "first warrior". It also serves as a reminder to me that we should each take the time to really listen to the stories of ALL our heroes. Within each of their stories are tales of such dignity, such heroism, such integrity. You can read more about Billy Walkabout in the links above and here.

"Let us not be sad that such men died. Let us, instead, be glad that such men lived".

I am grateful to Billy Walkabout, and all his brothers and sisters in arms. May we never forget. Soar high through the heavens, hero. Rest easy, soldier - and thank you.

Brat