I will say this much though. On my first tour to Germany, we were conducting a mechanized road march during REFORGER (1976, I think), travelling between Wildflecken and the Graefenwoehr training center. My unit, Company C, 2/12 Cavalry, were riding our APCs all through the back roads, passing through little town after little town. I was standing in the back hatch of my M-113; as the M-60 gunner for the squad in the rearmost APC, I was "rear security". I remember passing through one of many villages and there were fairly substantial crowds of Germans standing beside the roadway, watching us pass. The kids, generally, appeared to be very excited at the "parade" and were waving at us, while we waved back at them.
The road took a sharp left turn halfway through the village and, as the APC made its turn, I was looking down what might be considered a small alleyway. The upper story of the house on the left side of the alley had a window that projected somewhat over it, but I doubt if anybody else in the column really noticed it. But I did. In that window was a very young boy .. maybe five or six. What I've since guessed is that his parents wouldn't let him come outside to watch the road march for whatever reason, and he was watching it from the window as best he could. When I first caught sight of him, he was waving his hand in a desultory manner; obviously, he had been waving, hoping that somebody would see him but, also obviously, no other member of my company had. When I saw him waving, I smiled and waved back ... you could just see him sit up straight, break into a huge smile, and start waving happily.
The road continued straight for about two blocks before making another turn; for that whole time, he and I waved at each other, and you could just see him getting happier and happier at the interchange. Then the APC slewed around and I lost sight of him.
I don't remember the name of the little town that we passed through, but I often think of and relate that story to others. I still get a little misty-eyed when I think of it.
So, in general, pay no attention to me. I'm getting grouchy in my old age. My wife says that my temper will be the death of me (usually when I lose it at her and she threatens to kill me).