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Feedback from Sue About Those Troops Who Choose To Serve |
In response to the Veteran's day comments, thought I would add mine. I've always felt that because there are those who serve our country and literally put their lives on the line for us, that they are special and deserve recognition and thanks for doing it.
Not everyone can serve, but many can and choose not to; so that makes me feel we really do owe gratitude to those who do.
Then there's your comment about since it's so few perhaps it's meaningless or hollow. Maybe there should be a different name: how about those who serve in politics? Many, many self-agrandizing and seeking personal power, but when you get down to the local level there are many who do serve their communities and cities and states in ways that few would want to. Is the bottom line that we all should be doing something; therefore, it's the norm so no need to have any special recognition.
I was touched by your view on the Vietam vets: I've know a few where that was their only experience, and never were able to completely assimilate back into ordinary day to day living. I also remember vividly "Hell No, We Won't Go!!", and the sit-in's, sleep-ins, riots and shootings and returning vets being vilified, when in fact they had a choice. A very bad time, but I think you're right that enough people recognized that we did some terrible emotional things to returning Vietnam vets and now we must step forward and speak out, so at least now the soldiers returning from Iraq don't face that hatred. All very complicated. Thank you for listening to me.
Sue, From Georgia
(Veteran's Day Commentary Below)
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| Weekend Veteran's Day Commentary by Kelly Thomas
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(AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
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Veteran's Day(Friday November 11),for me, in many ways, was somewhat sad this year. Some good things are happening, but I think it is time for a reality check. I heard on NPR the other day about a special program that they have at the University of Michigan for returning veterans that helps them acclimate back into the civilian world. It sounded like a wonderful program.
NPR interviewed several veterans and I thought their remarks were very insightful. One veteran, now a student at the University of Michigan, said that he really didn't talk much about his experiences in Iraq because it was impossible for the other students to understand. I agree; this young troop, who has been to war and involved in life and death situations was talking to fellow students whose main interests are getting drunk, getting laid, and reeking havoc with fraternity brothers. Any real communication is not going to happen. Another student veteran said he was not interested in debating the war with those who were against it. Another talked about many things commonly associated with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), i. e., anger.
No Shared Experiences With Those Who Have Not Served
And, in a sense, the other students who have not served are at a disadvantage. It makes me a little sad that they have not had the military experience. Not too long ago, you could go into any bar or church and develop an instant rapport with a fellow soldier by telling war stories. Now, so few have had the experience; and to me, just another reason why a holiday like Veteran's Day or saying "Support The Troops" is hollow. When only a minuscule percentage of Americans are asked to bare the sacrifice that could ultimately costs them their lives, "Support The Troops" sounds slightly disingenuous to me. But at least, today's soldiers are supported when they return home from war.
Contrast this with what happened to Vietnam veterans. Many of us were drafted; we had no choice but to serve; and, when we can home, we were unwelcomed. We had to suffer in our martyrdom so to speak; The country treated us pretty shabbily. We didn't hear alot of "Support the Troops." The Vietnam veteran, in the many protestors' opinion, was a reminder of an unjust war.
For me, this wasn't a big deal, I was in the military; and, in a since, just one more thing that I traipsed through; but, for some guys, Vietnam was their only military experience and it was a bummer when they came home. What I hope is that Vietnam veterans, now, don't start feeling sorry for themselves and even resenting what the country is doing for veterans of the Iraq war. We, as Vietnam Veterans, have paved the way for today's soldiers and should be proud of this accomplishment. Today's young troops get great treatment; because, in some way, at least the politicians and most people openly say that they "Support The Troops" and don't identify them with all the stupidity of Iraq. And, more importantly, this great treatment for today's soldier takes place, because these politicians(whether or not for political reasons) remember how badly Vietnam veterans were treated and don't want what happened after Nam to happen again.
Soldiers Must Believe In What They Are Doing
I do think about the Iraq combat soldier lots. The Iraq War is the worst kind of war-an urban guerilla war. The flip side of the coin is that not all the soldiers are in combat all the time. In Vietnam, it is estimated that we were in combat 200 days out of a year; in WW II, it was about two weeks out of the year; it is hard to know what it will be in Iraq.
I also worry about the soldiers because their view of the war varies, from the news media and many others of us. When I hear or read what they have said, I think to myself, are we viewing the same war? I'm reading how mismanaged and f..... up it is and they are talking about giving the people freedom and how much the people love us and want us there. What is this? It is as if they are a bunch of Rumsfeld clones. I am baffled as there is no doubt in my mind that the Secretary of Defense is clueless.
Upon reflection, I think we have to realize that most of our soldiers are very conservative with a high percentage from the South and fit more in the "red" state view than anything. So many actual do support the war, and are not just giving us a "song and dance." They are not sitting around cogitating their navels like some TV talking heads, conservative or libera1, contemplating whether troops should stay or pull out and who is to blame. The soldiers are doing their job, doing basically what they are told, serving their country.
So, in conclusion, "Support
the Troops" (even though it seems at times hollow to me because we don't have some type of AllServe ,i.e., draft) is overall a good slogan- anything to encourage our soldiers. More importantly, Vietnam veterans, remember, because of your service and lessons learned, today's soldiers, for the most part, are treated with respect and dignity. We, as Vietnam veterans, came before and paved the path. Now that's something good to think about on a Veteran's Day holiday.
God Bless and God Bless America. HOO-AH!!! Nov 12-14 2005
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Marine Corps Birthday
Their 230th(November 10)
 (AP Photo/US Postal Service)
Stamped to be unveiled Nov 10
On November 10th, 1775, the Second Continental Congress resolved to raise two battalions of Continental Marines marking the birth of our United States Marine Corps.
On July, 11, 1798, President John Adams signed the bill recreating the Marine Corps that provided the rationale for the birthday celebration. On October 21, 1921, the birthday of the Marines was changed to November 10 and declared as a Marine Corps
Holiday. The holiday is celebrated throughout the corps.
Happy Birthday Marines, Hooah! | |
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