Cal Robertson's Poem           

Cal Robertson’s vigil at the Soldiers and Sailors monument in New London started Sept. 20, 1986. He hands out this poem by Vietnam Veteran George Mizo to anyone who will pause for a moment ...

You, my church, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.

You, my teachers, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war. 

You, my father and mother, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.

You, my friends, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.

You, my government, told me it was wrong to kill ... except in war.

You sent me to war to kill …

And when I had no choice …

You told me I was wrong.

But now I know, you were wrong …

And now I will tell you …

My church,

My teachers,

My father and mother,

My friends,

My government …

It was not wrong to kill …. except in war …

It was wrong to kill … Period.

And this you have to learn.

Just as I did.

-- George Mizo

A Vietnam Veteran for Peace

George Mizo was a seven year veteran of the United States Army, including two years in Vietnam. He was awarded the Gallantry Cross of the Republic of Vietnam and the Purple Heart. He was sickened by the destruction he saw in Vietnam and by the deception which he thought our government engaged in. He passed away in 2002.