It’s Veterans Day
By Mitch Berg
I’ve said it in the past; I’ve always found the practice of thanking veterans for their service to be a little…off.
Nothing against those that do say it – but it’s always felt a little strange to me.
“Thanks for taking a couple years out of your life, in many cases going around the world and undergoing a lot of unimaginable stress, danger and horror. Thanks so much!”.
So for my part – to all you veterans out there: I’m glad you made it home.
Let’s make this nation worth your time, and the sacrifice of those who didn’t come back.
November 11th, 2021 at 10:04 am
Thank you for the acknowledgement.
Dec 1966-Apr 1967 82nd Abn Div (stateside)
Apr 1967-Jun 1968 173d Abn Bde (Vietnam)
I’ve never regretted serving.
November 11th, 2021 at 10:31 am
Thanks, AllenS. I appreciate your service.
November 11th, 2021 at 11:22 am
Thanks for the shout out, Mitch. It was my honor to serve.
To your dilemma and the parts of military service that come with the territory, a couple of people that I know, including me, always acknowledge a veteran by thanking them for their sacrifice. I have several friends and acquaintances that were married or had girl friends while they were deployed. I always thank them for their sacrifice, too.
November 11th, 2021 at 11:34 am
I think one reason it sounds weird is it started so recently, and is given so earnestly, by people who otherwise hold few values in common with service members. It sounds fake, like Virtue Signaling, like thanking the grocery store clerk for her service working through the pandemic, and firefighters for their service (but not cops, because cops are bad).
Those of us civilians who have always flown the flag, always visited the graves, always stood and removed our caps when the honor guard led the parade, are suspicious of those who suddenly found religion. Where were they when I was riding with the Patriot Guard fifteen years ago? Marching with Code Pink, I suspect.
It’s times like these when I work the hardest to understand the parable of the workers in the vineyard, and the prodigal son, and hope their new-found love of country is genuine.
November 11th, 2021 at 12:47 pm
Joe Doakes said:
“I think one reason it sounds weird is it started so recently”
I totally agree, and sometimes I’m apt to think: “Why now.”
November 11th, 2021 at 2:21 pm
I’m proud to have risked my life to make America safe, so my grandkids can be forced to take puberty blockers and experimental chemical concoctions, and to sit on trannies laps at the library.
November 11th, 2021 at 2:42 pm
JD;
Funny! I have actually thanked retail workers for coming in. I always get a thank you and usually, a smile.