Duty and Honor

“When I was 18, I wasn’t aware that duty and honor would mean as much to me as they do now.”

The words of Vietnam War deserter Allen Abney. He deserted from the US Marines in 1968 and fled to Canada. He was arrested March 9th while crossing the border and was returned to Camp Pendleton, California. He says the Marines treated him with respect despite his status. He was detained for a week, then given a discharge and was allowed to return to Canada, where he is now a citizen.

I often wonder how many of the deserters and draft dodgers that fled to Canada feel after all these years. We know at least one who is truely sorry that he deserted. He spent virtually his whole life on the run from the desertion charge. His younger brother died of cancer while Abney was in custody. The Marines expedited his release so he could attend the funeral.

I expect that Mr. Abney will go to his grave knowing he should have lived his life differently.

H/T Tim Blair for the link