Monday, November 19, 2012

VETERAN'S DAY... AND PRIDE

Veterans' Day is just a couple of days away so "honor the vets" is showing up in newspapers, on Facebook, and in various other places.  I heartily endorse this sentiment, especially toward those men and women who have actually taken part in armed conflicts (even the dubious ones currently winding down in the Middle East).
I'm talking about it here because seeing those expressions of respect and gratitude made me feel proud because I too am a vet.  In one of his requests to me to talk about myself, your dad asked the question, "What is something that you are proud of?"  It isn't that I had a distinguished career in the military; I wasn't a volunteer. I was drafted. I stayed in only as long as I was required to and never had any desire to go back.  I reached the rank of sergeant, but was fortunate enough to never be in combat.  Nonetheless, I am proud that I served.  When I see a soldier in uniform I feel a kinship with him (or her).  I just read somewhere that approximately seven percent of Americans have served in uniform, that makes it a pretty elite group.

I am not advocating that any of you enlist.  I am glad that your grandma and I were spared the fear that comes with having a son or daughter serving in harm's way and I would like to see your mom and dad spared that same fear.  On the other hand, if any of you do choose to serve, know that you will have a proud grandpa saluting your choice.









Your grandfather is no poet, but this is as close as I can come to putting my feelings about being a vet into words. I am part of something.  I am part of a group of men and women who feel they can hold their heads just a little higher than those who have not served.  I share a bond with every soldier who ever lived.  It is that bond that makes me proud.




Grandma’sBriefs.com
 




7 comments:

  1. I do wish we had World Peace and that no one ever had to wear a uniform into combat -- but I am very proud of all of my friends and family members who have done it. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I enjoyed reading this today- thank you for writing it and for serving in the military. I love the honesty and the "both sides" perspective that seems to be such an integral part of all your posts.

    Visiting from the Grand Social,

    Love, Joy @ Yesterfood

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  3. My husband is a Vietnam era Air Force vet - drafted under the same circumstances that you were, with no combat requirement. Nonetheless you both put country before self and served us well. My favorite question, posed by a child, during the 60s has always been, "What if they gave a war and nobody came?' Yet I am so proud - and even a bit envious - of the respect and honor shown our veterans during this time of year. Your "seven percent" is indeed elite. Thank you!

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  4. Thank you, thank you to all Veterans for their service. You deserve honor and respect and gratitude. I give them all today.

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  5. It was good to read this again today - a year after the first time I read it. STILL wishing for World Peace and still thankful for all the men and women who have helped to defend our country and others. One of the best things about never having had a son -- I never worried about him coming home from a war.

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  6. Thank you for your service. It was a difficult time in our country. But, political battles are not the ones fought in the field.

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  7. A wonderful tribute to veterans ! :) And thank YOU :)

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