You’re a better man than I am - I have spent almost 50 years resenting the day lights out of the trivial, meaningless pastimes that our people filled their time with while we, the young guys who answered the call, were killed and wounded by the thousands.
Our country went on blissfully enjoying the fun and freedoms while pivoting neatly from enthusiastic support of us and our fight to vilification and spit in an eye blink. Can’t exaggerate the kind if nasty stuff we faced when we got home.
I went on to heal up and then went back into the service for another 24 years. I protected my troops zealously and I did my best make sure they were trained to the limit of my experience and ability and above all, appreciated.
It is interesting that among all of the friends who made it back with me, none of us watch football. Guess nothing was ever the same.
I can scarce imagine your experiences, but I respect your feelings. Our experience coming home is 180 degrees from your homecoming. What happened to you was despicable and inexcusable. I am constantly humbled when strangers come up to thank me for serving.
I was virulently opposed to sport and other pastimes until my son approached me to tell me how I had hurt him by not attending his games. That made me rethink my position. I still don’t watch sports, but I refrain from voicing opposition most of the time.
My oldest boy is a Navy medic and my football player is now trying to get in the service, though his size is an issue. Lol.
God bless you, and thank you for your service to an ungrateful country.