As a former military man I joined in 1965 and served in Vietnam from July 1967 through July 1968 I understand how fear of insufficient obedience and submission to the chain of command can bring personal shame and even harm to your battalion.
"His participation in the conclave would only bring clouds of shame at a time that should bring springs of hope, " said Chris Pumpelly, the communications director for one of the groups, Catholics United.