...to this war with Iraq, every American (whether they supported the war or not) needs to support and honor the men and women who fought when they return.
I am getting this sickening feeling that we are far enough removed from the Vietnam era that most Americans (young ones especially) don't know what kind of horror it is for a soldier to come home to mocking, spitting, badgering, hate.
I was not in the military. However, I have a theory as to why that may be. You see, both my grandpas served in WWII. To most of the world, America especially, they were heroes. When the time came, my father enlisted in the Air Force and served in Thailand during Vietnam. His welcome home was a bit different. He may have thought that he would come home to the same welcome as his dad. Hometown parades, assemblies, dinners. Wrong. Why didn't I enter the military? I didn't think my dad was a hero. I have not talked to him EVER in my 28 years of life about his experiences in Vietnam. I have heard him mention different stories, like how sweet the sound of an F-4 is. And how you can always tell the new guys when they come into land. But I have never discussed with him his experience upon returning home. Do we understand what a dispicable thing it was to treat men, some of whom had no choice, with such disdain?
So, my duty is this: Eventhough I never have served in the armed forces, I will fulfill my role as an American and support the men and women who defend me. I HAVE to do this wether I agree with the conflict or not. It is not their decision on which battles to fight. That is left up to the elected officials that I help put in office. Any frustration should be directed to them at the next election, not to soldiers at the next arriving flight.
If you are in the military or have been, please don't reply to this thread and thank me, it's my job to thank you.
I didn't intend for this thread to be some emotional/overly-patriotic/wish-wash. If it comes across as such, ignore it. I just wanted to give some of us a heads up, especially young ones. It may or may not happen. But if your friends all start thinking it's cool to dog on soldiers, you better take a stand and quash that crap right then and there!
I am getting this sickening feeling that we are far enough removed from the Vietnam era that most Americans (young ones especially) don't know what kind of horror it is for a soldier to come home to mocking, spitting, badgering, hate.
I was not in the military. However, I have a theory as to why that may be. You see, both my grandpas served in WWII. To most of the world, America especially, they were heroes. When the time came, my father enlisted in the Air Force and served in Thailand during Vietnam. His welcome home was a bit different. He may have thought that he would come home to the same welcome as his dad. Hometown parades, assemblies, dinners. Wrong. Why didn't I enter the military? I didn't think my dad was a hero. I have not talked to him EVER in my 28 years of life about his experiences in Vietnam. I have heard him mention different stories, like how sweet the sound of an F-4 is. And how you can always tell the new guys when they come into land. But I have never discussed with him his experience upon returning home. Do we understand what a dispicable thing it was to treat men, some of whom had no choice, with such disdain?
So, my duty is this: Eventhough I never have served in the armed forces, I will fulfill my role as an American and support the men and women who defend me. I HAVE to do this wether I agree with the conflict or not. It is not their decision on which battles to fight. That is left up to the elected officials that I help put in office. Any frustration should be directed to them at the next election, not to soldiers at the next arriving flight.
If you are in the military or have been, please don't reply to this thread and thank me, it's my job to thank you.
I didn't intend for this thread to be some emotional/overly-patriotic/wish-wash. If it comes across as such, ignore it. I just wanted to give some of us a heads up, especially young ones. It may or may not happen. But if your friends all start thinking it's cool to dog on soldiers, you better take a stand and quash that crap right then and there!
<---Should be banned for circumventing the cuss filter.
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