To all Veterans, I salute you! Delta U.S. Army (1986 to 1992) "I believe it is the nature of people to be heroes, given the chance." James A. Autry
Some of us are uncomfortable with the "thank yous," especially when remembering when it wasn't done. Here's an interesting article on some of the reasons why: Your 'thank you' to veterans is welcomed, but not always comfortably received - U.S. News My concern is that it has become politically correct to do it.
Since I am rarely politically correct I will say "Thank you for your service" to all Veterans. From my heart.
Others may wish to call it politically correct but that is just their opinion. A vet can tell when it is sincere and when to call it something else. My service was during the Vietnam era and I feel that thanking a vet is far better than the alternative many vets received back then!
Not even a hint at trying to be politically correct here, Rich. I have always been thankful for and proud of the US military and the contribution/service/sacrifice of individual members of the armed forces.
The appreciation is appreciated, and in most cases it is offered with sincerity. (And I would never doubt anyone on this.) But this vocalization of it is a recent phenomenon. Since the elimination of the draft and the implementation of the all-volunteer force, large swaths of our society are now disconnected from military service. It used to be that a much larger portion of our society were veterans. (True, WWII had a lot to do with that.) But being a military veteran has become much more unusual than before. I have to think that's part of this, and it feels weird to some of us. According to the article I linked, there are a few common reasons for feeling this way. I retired almost 17 years ago, so I've been around long enough to see the blase turn into hostility turn into curiosity. I'd like blase back, but being in the military has become unusual. BTW, if the government wants to thank me, how about giving me the educational GI Bill I never received? I missed every single implementation of it (Vietnam, Montgomery--3 times, and the current Post-9/11 version). I could use that. I'd rather see the attention given to the homeless and/or unemployed veterans. They deserve a lot more than they're getting.
Thanks for demonstrating my point. For more: Veterans deserve better than a claims backlog - The Washington Post
Politically, I am rarely in agreement with Rich; fundamentally we are just from different tribes regarding political principles, policy, political position/s, etc. Even so, on the issue of veteran appreciation and likewise IMO … regarding the current (vs. former) popularity being seemingly more driven- /motivated-by political correctness and the artificiality PC incorporates. So on this one –I agree with Rich’s remark/s and concern.
BTW, I only speak for myself and suggest others' points of view be considered, especially the veterans themselves. And I certainly do not ascribe to any particular individual motives of any kind. Here's a cool one: we went to California Pizza Kitchen today (it's next to the theater showing "Skyfall," which we saw). They were serving up free pizzas to veterans and, as you can imagine, the selection was huge. I didn't know they were doing that--it talked me right out of the salad I was gong to order. (My wife, who is also a veteran, passed and bought her salad.) Thanks, CPK. :smile:
To my hero, my son Beau, currently serving in the U.S. navy in Bahrain. I'm proud of you and have a safe veterans day.
When asked about his contribution to the Pacific Campaign during WWII and the role he played in defending the United States, Halsey replied: "There are no great men, just great challenges which ordinary men, out of necessity, are forced by circumstances to meet." ~ Admiral William Frederick (Bull) Halsey Jr. (1882-1959)
I feel a sense of gratitude to reply this thread! I was sitting with my family at SeaWorld in San Diego watching the whale show. They have a tradition of honoring Veterans for their service. I didn't want to stand because to tell you the truth, I am no hero just a grunt that served 6 years because I wanted a GI Bill to go to college. The fact is, my family kept pushing me to stand so I did. As I stood there and looked at all the other Vets and the faces of those in the crowd, I thought to myself that I was standing for those who couldn't be there and could sense that. When it was over, I thought to myself, what a privilege and honor!
