[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Both men experienced the same thing, while responding differently.

Exactly.

Put it down to my contrary nature. But what I was trying to point out is that the idea that there was some kind of Golden Age when any American Hero was carried around on a velvet cushion is just a tad bit off the mark.

For one thing most of them would have (and still will) take that cushion away from you and smack you with it.

For another most of the heroes are people that you and I have never heard of.

Yesterday and today we have had heroes who have been treated badly and we have had heroes who have been treated well.

We have also had Heroes who have behaved badly both before and after their heroism and Heroes who have behaved well both before and after their heroism.

[Michael.SF.]

Sounds like we are on the same page, but my initial reaction did not lead me to believe that.

I have a nephew, former ranger, served in Afghanistan, before the shooting started, doing recon, (he is about 5'6", maybe 140 soaking wet), he later did several 'tours' doing private security in Iraq.

Never talks about it (except to his dad). Whenever he was asked (such as by his cousins) his standard comment is:

"War stories are for the drunk at the end of the bar, and they are usually full of #hit."

He g