The Burden They Carry

While on an ambush in Vietnam, Billy slaughters a Viet Cong boy soldier and spirals into guilt and shame. He cannot believe he did such a thing when all his life he wanted to be ＂a good boy＂ and respect all living things. He returns from Vietnam with PTSD and a conflicted spirit, not recognizing himself from what he did. Billy hates what he did and can no longer trust himself to be an honorable person. He is in deep despair when he meets a farmer named Rufus who recognizes Billy’s internal struggle being a veteran of the Korean conflict himself. Billy begins to find personal peace working with Rufus and living with his family but abruptly abandons Rufus when his yet unresolved guilt is forcefully thrown into his face by a revival preacher. Then as he is wandering along a dusty road, he is met by a fellow Vietnam veteran named Jack who empathizes with Billy’s soul sickness and takes him to a Vet camp where Billy meets other Vietnam vets as damaged as he. Finally, Billy finds solace from his internal torment through the care and concern of a Fr. Luke and a girl named Elizabeth, who surprisingly happens to be Rufus’ daughter. Their combined compassion and faith show Billy how to resolve his guilt and begin to trust in himself again.