Thank you Clint for sharing this beautiful reflection. I worked in the publuc schools for 30+ years and witnessed how kids from poor families were routinely recruited to serve in our nation's armed forces. I thought this was a good thing since it gave kids an opportunity to learn discipline and a variety of skills while earning a much needed steady income. However, the fear they may one day have to risk their lives for greedy old men in Washington and the military-industrial establishment did not escape me. Despite these reservations, honoring their service is absolutely right.
Thanks for the remembrance, Clint. It was a sincere acknowledgement of just some of the sacrifices made by my fellow Vets. I never saw combat, fortunately, but plenty of those I cared for did. I learned early on that each combat vet reacted differently, & that some of the physical disabilities were outweighed by the emotional/ psychological ones. No one came through unscathed.
Guys enlisted (or earlier, were drafted) for various reasons -- some, naively idealistic; some, to stay out the the judicial system. ALL, eventually, realized we could only rely on each other. It's still the case, I believe. The jingoism & altruism both count for less than the camaraderie.
Your use of the soldier/sailor/marine pics bring fond memories. And, yes, the sex was frequently on offer -- those flicks do have some factual basis (though entire platoons of 8+" is an exaggeration) 😏
So, naturally I will spend today thinking of those who are gone, but I also plan on remembering the good, fun times too. It's a nice idea at least once a year.
If only that buffoonTrump could realise this and show respect for all those that have fallen while serving their country. He should never be Commander in Chief.
On our remembrance day , Anzac Day, i always give silent thanks to the Americans who died while saving our country from the Japanese. Many hundreds of American children my age grew up without a Father, because he was killed in the South Pacific war.
Here, dead we lie, who did not choose to live, and shame the land from which we'd sprung.
Life to be sure, is nothing much to lose, but young men think it is, and we were young.
Thank you Clint for sharing this beautiful reflection. I worked in the publuc schools for 30+ years and witnessed how kids from poor families were routinely recruited to serve in our nation's armed forces. I thought this was a good thing since it gave kids an opportunity to learn discipline and a variety of skills while earning a much needed steady income. However, the fear they may one day have to risk their lives for greedy old men in Washington and the military-industrial establishment did not escape me. Despite these reservations, honoring their service is absolutely right.
Thanks, D.C. I loathe war, but honor warriors. Not the cowards who send them to war. Cheers.
Thanks for the remembrance, Clint. It was a sincere acknowledgement of just some of the sacrifices made by my fellow Vets. I never saw combat, fortunately, but plenty of those I cared for did. I learned early on that each combat vet reacted differently, & that some of the physical disabilities were outweighed by the emotional/ psychological ones. No one came through unscathed.
Guys enlisted (or earlier, were drafted) for various reasons -- some, naively idealistic; some, to stay out the the judicial system. ALL, eventually, realized we could only rely on each other. It's still the case, I believe. The jingoism & altruism both count for less than the camaraderie.
Your use of the soldier/sailor/marine pics bring fond memories. And, yes, the sex was frequently on offer -- those flicks do have some factual basis (though entire platoons of 8+" is an exaggeration) 😏
So, naturally I will spend today thinking of those who are gone, but I also plan on remembering the good, fun times too. It's a nice idea at least once a year.
Thank you for your service, Tom. May your day be filled with fun memories that give you the warm and fuzzies. And more. Cheers.
If only that buffoonTrump could realise this and show respect for all those that have fallen while serving their country. He should never be Commander in Chief.
On our remembrance day , Anzac Day, i always give silent thanks to the Americans who died while saving our country from the Japanese. Many hundreds of American children my age grew up without a Father, because he was killed in the South Pacific war.
Here, dead we lie, who did not choose to live, and shame the land from which we'd sprung.
Life to be sure, is nothing much to lose, but young men think it is, and we were young.
A E Houseman.
Agreed. But for me, I can’t worry about that mfer today. :-)