Thoughts on another Veteran's day passing . . .

[AndyS]

I see this service ribbon in DUer's sig lines and avatars. They are my contemporaries. The difference is that they served in-country and I never left the good ole US of A. That difference is immeasurable.

There is also this:The Iraq service ribbon.

And this:The Afghanistan service ribbon.

Pete Buttigieg has one I believe.

I did not believe in the war of my time and still don't. The only "action" I saw was in Washington, D.C. at the Vietnam Moratorium and the Mayday Protest. Do a google image search and I'll stand out; I'm the one wearing green. I didn't support "my" war and I think the others that followed were equally bull shit but I showed up and did my job as best I could. I did not serve for God or Country or Cause. I served for those who depended on me to do my job. Just like everybody else who serves.

I say all this because there are true heroes who sacrifice and are honestly selfless and there are those who become Oath Keepers and most of us are somewhere in between. I think we over glorify veterans as if we are all Captain America. We're not. The problem with that glorification is that it bleeds over into the glorification of war. Salute a Veteran that you know, for what he or she did and mean it but blanket "thanks for your service" bestowed on all who ever wore a uniform, people like me who just showed up and sacrificed nothing, lessens what what it means for those who deserve it.

[Wounded Bear]

1. I'm a Vietnam Era veteran as well...

I ended up going on a Med cruise on an aircraft carrier in '72-73 and missed 'Nam my self.

I get a little tired of the TYFYS greetings at times, too. But I consider that they mean well and take it kind of like the Happy Holidays vs Merry Christmas sentiment. Who am I to turn down a well wishing from someone?

Besides, they also served who only stood and waited. Semper Fi.

[Irish_Dem]

3. Yes everyone did their part whether in combat or not.

My was Dad was career USAF and flew dangerous combat in three wars.

Risked his life as a matter of routine.

He always viewed everyone in the military with the highest regard and appreciation.

People flying desks, people pushing paper, mechanics keeping the planes in the air.
The people at the commissary keeping his family fed, the DOD teachers educating his children.

Sailors in the Mediterranean were keeping that part of the world safe and calm so he could
focus on the mission in front of him. And that aircraft carrier might come to help him one day.

The military was a huge machine and every one played a part to keep it running.

He knew without a doubt that if those people were not supporting him and the mission, he would
not have been able to do the job. He absolutely knew he could not do his dangerous job by himself.

He also knew without a doubt that there was no safe spot in the military.
At any time all hell could break loose and you would be in the line of fire.

You were not standing and waiting. You were doing your part in making the whole system work.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Your post now lives on the Greatest Page, dear Andy, as it should.

I respect your eloquence.

Thank you for your great post!