"Permission to Walk in Peace" is a profound anthology crafted by combat veterans, offering a unique blend of poetry, essays, and stories that explore the intense and personal aftermath of war. Edited by G. Craige Edgerton and published by Alive Book Publishing, this collection diverges from traditional narrative structures, opting instead for a tapestry-like format that reflects the fragmented yet healing journey of its contributors.
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The book is divided into three main sections: Experience, Handrails, and Mending Fences, with an additional segment dedicated to family and friends. Through their raw and often graphic recounting of events, the veterans share their battles with PTSD and other traumas, aiming to foster understanding and healing among fellow veterans and anyone touched by similar experiences.
This anthology not only serves as a testament to the struggles faced by those who have served but also as a beacon of hope, illustrating the transformative power of sharing and artistic expression in the journey toward peace.
Authors: G. Craige Edgerton, R. Marshall Burgamy, Nick Butterfield, Doug Nelson, Bill Noyes, Jim Marney-Petix, Jaime Lee Johnson, Sunny "Dos" Dosanjh
A meeting was held with Milipitas, California Mayor Carmen Montano and co-author & American Legion Post 419 Member, Sunny "Dos" Dosanjh. The following sentiments were provided by Mayor Montano for a public endorsement of the book:
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"You are my strength who carries me today with angels showing me the way. You are my life song, who touches my soul. You break through the darkness, revealing your glorious light. You are the I AM, the ONE whose glory shines through to show this Veteran the way. Amen!"
Carmen Montano, Mayor, Milpitas California
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​"Occasionally traumatic but always touching, these heartfelt and cathartic short stories and poems will send the reader careening into an array of emotions while bringing a deep understanding of the burden of trauma that anyone can suffer, but especially for those living on a battlefield."
Donna Colson, Mayor, Burlingame California
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"I know all of my Veteran patients have their stories. Some volunteer them to me readily, while others hold back. I am always curious, but at times, reluctant to ask. This anthology allows our Veterans to tell their stories on their own terms. They are raw and personal, and at times, shocking and painful. They are also healing and need to be heard. As I read them, I grow even closer to my cherished Veteran patients."
James Chang MD, Hand Surgeon, VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Professor & Chief of Plastic Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center