I want to thank all the veterans all over the world who have fought, all those who returned leaving parts of themselves on a battle field,
all those who never returned to their families,
and all those who fought and returned, forever changed by the experience.
Thank you for your service.
all those who never returned to their families,
and all those who fought and returned, forever changed by the experience.
Thank you for your service.
5 comments:
Rhonda,my dad was a young man in the second WW, but returned home. So many didn't.... and my thoughts and prayers, like yours, are with everyone who served and are still serving our countries.
During WWl, at least half, if not more, of the male population of my small hometown never came back.
Maggie, I have a beloved photo of my great uncle Ralph in his uniform, so young and handsome and so full of promise. Thankfully, he returned to us all but never spoke much about his experiences - I think soldiers are in a league of their own even if they aren't right in the thick of things but because of what they see and experience. So many young men and women are returning to us now with limbs missing or brain injuries. I am very anti-war but each time I see a platoon coming home in an airport, their camo uniforms and duffles slung over their shoulders, I just want to stop and stand for them as they walk by. And I admire and wonder at the families who strive to provide a safe haven for their soldiers when they return - how strong they must be to be the ones who wait.
Rhonda, such a lovely post. As you said: they and their families are so strong.
Hi Rhonda,
I gotta tell you, my service in the First Gulf War cannot begin to compare to the experiences of those who served in World War II, Korea or Vietnam. So, let me add my voice to your tribute to those who did truly heroic service in prior wars.
Sadly, Vietnam and the two gulf wars, as well as, our misadventure in Afghanistan were the result of economics and outright lies.
Yes, we should honor those who served, but let's be honest. They didn't preserve our freedom. Our freedom and way of life were never at risk. Look around...do you have any sense that we've been at war for the past ten years? Few of us in these past ten years have had our lives altered in even the slightest way. No, these troops were pawns and cannon fodder. If we had a draft, I seriously doubt the wars after Vietnam would have been waged.
As a veteran and student of history, no other conclusion is plausible. We've all been taught to do our duty on behalf of our nation and our freedom, but it's time we had a reality check. Honor our troops, care for them, their widows and children, but as a nation, we should learn more of our history and be smart enough to refrain from allowing ourselves to be "sold" that war is necessary.
Sorry Rhonda, but as you can see, I have rather strong feelings about this issue and holiday.
Feel free to NOT publish this comment. I won't be offended.
Sincerely,
Gary.
Gary, as a veteran, you have every right to say what you think and feel about the wars that have come since WWII and the causes. Yes, political; yes, greed and power; yes, I agree. Perhaps that's why it makes me want to cry when I see the current soldiers returning - they have lost something because of a government's story and yet many believed and many served and I'm just glad they came back.
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