Those of us who are veterans and even combat veterans are no better than anyone else. It might be appropriate to respect one's honorable service, but an occasional, sincere "Thank you" and a humble "You're welcome" square the account. Anything more is undeserved and just embarrassing.
Today's fawning Military and Veteran Worship is not only ridiculous but dangerous. At best, it reveals a society so unaccomplished and insecure that it must invent and overly sentimentalize "heroes" who are nothing of the sort -- it simply cheapens the word. At worst, it risks establishing a new class of privileged people who might begin to like the idea and actually behave like they are better than "ordinary" Americans. There are good and bad soldiers, and good and bad veterans. Good soldiers and good veterans ought to be respected, but history proves that strong armies are to be feared at home.
Let's grow up and act like adults.
Always A Marine nailed it.
So the guy had on the wrong waist plate. Guess what, old folks forget stuff. Hell, for all I know they changed the Uniform regs since I got out, or it was different before my time.
There’s no excuse for the inquisition. That’s a serious allegation to make, and you had best have your ducks in a row to make it.
On the other hand, I’m easy going enough that if a cop at a vet’s event told me my uniform was out of regs and then asked me where I went to boot camp, I’d tell him instead of cussing at him. Of course, It’d be a miracle if I could fit in my Blues today, so that’s all unlikely.
As to venerating vets, all well and good, but it is a good point to remember that in the US of A, we are all citizens together. At least, that used to be the idea.
Those are great comments and I very much agree.
Vietnam guilt syndrome, when those returning home were ignored and even attacked for their trouble. I agree they need to get over it. It's become down right embarrassing.
I suggest they say thanks by targeting some energy on those who spend more tax dollars on millions of illegal aliens than our veterans.
Those of us who are veterans and even combat veterans are no better than anyone else. It might be appropriate to respect one’s honorable service, but an occasional, sincere “Thank you” and a humble “You’re welcome” square the account. Anything more is undeserved and just embarrassing.
Today’s fawning Military and Veteran Worship is not only ridiculous but dangerous. At best, it reveals a society so unaccomplished and insecure that it must invent and overly sentimentalize “heroes” who are nothing of the sort — it simply cheapens the word. At worst, it risks establishing a new class of privileged people who might begin to like the idea and actually behave like they are better than “ordinary” Americans. There are good and bad soldiers, and good and bad veterans. Good soldiers and good veterans ought to be respected, but history proves that strong armies are to be feared at home.
Absolutely correct. I did 30 years and not until after 9/11 did all this bizarre idol worship begin.
1. You’re not a hero unless you actually do something heroic . . . and merely serving in the military isn’t heroic. Example: Every job in the military has its value, but what is heroic about being a top-notch military telephone lineman or base housing clerk who never serves abroad? (Nor does it demean his service or its value because he was never a direct combat troop who heard shots fired in anger.)
2. The military is, as you said, full of good folks and bad folks. They’re human beings. Those who actually served know this as fact.
3. Just give us our earned benefits. Don’t freak over us . . . in a good way or a bad way. Somehow we’ve gotten to where the civilian public thinks all veterans are either (a) damaged PTSD/TBI headcases ready to explode in violence or (b) the love child of Chesty Puller and Audie Murphy. True is, 99% are in between those two and concentrated in the center of the bell curve.
Well said, friend!
Agreed—stolen valor should be a social faux pas that people would avoid being exposed on.
But wearing old military clothes, etc., shouldn’t be illegal in a free country. We have way too many laws and too much law enforcement as it is.
Well said. I appreciate the sacrifices our military personnel make, and I scorn anyone who tries to borrow their experiences without the cost. But let’s not set up yet another cult of celebrity for everyone in uniform. A simple nod in their direction and a glance can convey all the gratitude a true hero needs.
This deserves a Post of the Decade award!!!
Mrs. AV
Very well said.
In the middle decades of the 20th century, the idea of being a vet was somewhat expected of males in our society. And there were females too. Most just did their thing without any glory and without any public worship and rarely getting a thanks from a public that served too.
I personally believe that it served us well and democratized and unified the nation. The military and Americans in it did everything from direct combat to KP to logistics and transportation. For many it was 2 and out and that brought in new blood. Those who liked it and were competent, stayed for their 20 or so.
Then in the late 1900s political elites came up the idea of using only a tiny segment of America to actually serve in the military and who could be sent repeatedly back into combat. The military now represents less than 1/2%, and instead of many citizens participating they create a new class of Americans...the warrior class.
Our military has become a hybrid of volunteers and high paid contractors working for highly profitable corporate donors who do the other stuff. The officer class and especially General Officers are becoming more numerous than ever in a military of declining headcount.
Are we seeing a new warrior class of Americans being created dedicated to serving in military and police? Is it good for our country, or is it reminiscent of the Roman legions.
Those of us who are veterans and even combat veterans are no better than anyone else. It might be appropriate to respect one's honorable service, but an occasional, sincere "Thank you" and a humble "You're welcome" square the account. Anything more is undeserved and just embarrassing.
I agree.
Well put.
Semper Fi.
L