Donna Z on the Clark Community Network reports on part of the JFK Library "Vietnam and the Presidency" Conference in Boston this weekend.

The final panel taking the stage after a day of remembering Vietnam, were the warriors. No longer in their twenties, and yet, it was their fates and many like them who were at the heart of the day's matter. For while the previous speakers had talked the talked in DC, or filed the stories from distant rice paddies, these were the people who did not chose the battles, they fought them.

General Clark was on the left with Chuck Hagel, Bob Herbert, and Pete Peterson to his right. Some questions were asked individually, and some were offered to the entire panel. Pete Peterson was asked how he came to grips with his 6 1/2 years as a prisoner of war. (His inspiring answer will wait for another another report.) Herbert talked about two lost friends, and Hagel dismissed his injuries as little more than "no big deal." Which only left Wes Clark to tell his tale.

The story of General Clark's battlefield injuries have been well documented, and went well beyond a scratch. He said that while blood was found on the ground in the area, the shooter had gotten away. Now that ticked him off. Then General recounted his life after that day starting with the hospital, and moving on to teaching at the Point, and various commands. Nine years had past bringing another February 19th, and the status of the man who shot him in that far-off jungle remained "got away." Looking in the mirror, shaving, and remembering the anger, he said the moment finally came when he decided to put it aside.

Letting go is the simplest act, and yet, a very difficult thing to do. The nature of today's conference often dug below the surface, and thus, was a vehicle for some new insights. In the General's case, I don't know about you, but I'm glad to hear that his Vietnam haunter was given the boot. Anger is a drag on the soul. May all those who carry the hidden scars of war find the voice of their healing speaking in their souls. White Light.