[PISANO]

I HONOR the (WWII) vets who if they appear on TV do so almost always as part of a documentary. All of my relatives who served in WWII spoke infrequently about their experiences and only when begged to relate. I and my fellow Vietnam Vets (that I know) seldom speak of our experiences. Silence is golden. It seems modern day warriors now want their 15 minutes, I don't understand it, but of course, it is their right.

[GrandEagle]

I don't understand it, but of course, it is their right.
I agree with you also. But, let me propose a question; If the "media" came to you and wanted to pay you X million to do a movie/book about you, would you say no?
Many a vet has used his/her service to get into politics. I see nothing wrong with it as long as they are honest about their experances and their "fame" is not at the expense of a brother/sister in arms.

[Sir Charles]

Not a combat vet, but if I were, I wonder if I, too, would be reluctant to talk about it, and, if so, why? It seems to me there is a middle ground between "Silence is golden" and warriors wanting their 15 minutes.

The result is we are left with the Audie Murphy and John Wayne, real and fictional heroes, depiction on film and whatever else the media and Hollywood want to give us.

My brother saw WWII combat against the Japanese in jungle warfare, and would only relate some of his experiences when drunk.

[beaversmom]

My mom said the same thing about her late brother who served in the British Navy during WWII. He said he saw things that he wished he would have never seen. He didn't go blabbing about his experiences except maybe to his wife.