Recently I was asked by a friend’s mother—who runs a veteran non-profit—why the people from the GWOT (Global War on Terror) generation typically don’t come to her events. She said the typical veterans that come are from mostly the Vietnam era and a smattering of Gulf War guys mixed in.
Lol, well ironically, you have the right to that opinion because people with guns in prior wars who were probably really scared and loved their country defended your freedom of expression.
I appreciate your honest writing on this topic. I have several veteran friends. I am also deeply anti-war. I wonder if we don't often make the "thank you for your service" too narrow? There are so many jobs in our society which require service to our country. Not all of them require possible death, but as my Christian upbringing often reminded me, "it is sometimes harder to live for a cause, than it is to die for a cause." I am torn, and feel a bit of dissonance on the topic myself. Military serves as does teaching (or librarians, or fire service, or grocery clerks), but they are not the same. I enjoy how you write from an honest place. Thank you for your service, both in our military and in our literary community.
I agree that all service should be honored, I think we saw that somewhat during 2020 as appreciation shifted for nurses and etc, and post 9/11 the love affair with firemen, I do think there’s something about the fact that at least at war specifically there’s the literal life and death danger of it and psychologically the aspect where you can’t just go home, you’re stuck. So think that adds a layer mental anguish or whatever which may deepen the scope of it for those that didn’t serve in that capacity and their desire to hold veterans to a higher esteem. Not sure. I’ve spent time in both worlds I suppose lol as a former soldier and former traveling evangelist I’ve seen both sides of service for good and for bad haha.
Thanks so much for reading! This substack has been a fun adventure in disciplined writing every week but literally by the seat of my pants as far as topics lol I never know what’s next.
Stan, That's who they need you to be. I often tell Veterans who no longer want to be SGT, CSM, or COL that it is good to let that go...but for the people you served with and their families, many of them will need you to continue to be that person. It is the way you live in their memories. I can dust off the persona of Doom, the combat commander if needed, but I'm usually not him at all. I struggled for a long time with a response to "Thanks for your service." I've come to one that I find acceptable, and it's my default response now. America is worth it.
That’s a great perspective. My canned response for “thanks for your service” was “it was a blast” haha and in many ways it was as evident in my documentary “hammer down.” I wrestle with not wanting to live permanently in that world. On the one hand I want to show we are so much more than that chapter of our lives but since it was such a huge part of so many of our lives I can see why it’s a sticking point. For those at home whether they served or just want to show thanks, I have to let them and like you said, be that guy for them when necessary. Thanks for taking the time to reply, means a lot.
Stan. My opinion here. I think anyone who served is worthy of praise. I did not serve in Vietnam because of a draft lottery. Yes WW 2 and Vietnam were awful (as all war is) but those who were there, heck in any war or conflict were there preserving my freedoms. In my mind I am obligated to thank them (and you) for this. Thank God for those who willingly served. God Bless all of you. Love and Hugs!
Have no interest in war, fear, military, guns....Ill never say , thanks for your service....nope. not from me
If you want to discuss peace, love and compassion, yes please sign me up
Lol, well ironically, you have the right to that opinion because people with guns in prior wars who were probably really scared and loved their country defended your freedom of expression.
I appreciate your honest writing on this topic. I have several veteran friends. I am also deeply anti-war. I wonder if we don't often make the "thank you for your service" too narrow? There are so many jobs in our society which require service to our country. Not all of them require possible death, but as my Christian upbringing often reminded me, "it is sometimes harder to live for a cause, than it is to die for a cause." I am torn, and feel a bit of dissonance on the topic myself. Military serves as does teaching (or librarians, or fire service, or grocery clerks), but they are not the same. I enjoy how you write from an honest place. Thank you for your service, both in our military and in our literary community.
I agree that all service should be honored, I think we saw that somewhat during 2020 as appreciation shifted for nurses and etc, and post 9/11 the love affair with firemen, I do think there’s something about the fact that at least at war specifically there’s the literal life and death danger of it and psychologically the aspect where you can’t just go home, you’re stuck. So think that adds a layer mental anguish or whatever which may deepen the scope of it for those that didn’t serve in that capacity and their desire to hold veterans to a higher esteem. Not sure. I’ve spent time in both worlds I suppose lol as a former soldier and former traveling evangelist I’ve seen both sides of service for good and for bad haha.
Thank you for writing this Stan. We’ve not meet yet. But I do believe in time we will. Blessing and thanks for speaking g your voice.
Thanks so much for reading! This substack has been a fun adventure in disciplined writing every week but literally by the seat of my pants as far as topics lol I never know what’s next.
Stan, That's who they need you to be. I often tell Veterans who no longer want to be SGT, CSM, or COL that it is good to let that go...but for the people you served with and their families, many of them will need you to continue to be that person. It is the way you live in their memories. I can dust off the persona of Doom, the combat commander if needed, but I'm usually not him at all. I struggled for a long time with a response to "Thanks for your service." I've come to one that I find acceptable, and it's my default response now. America is worth it.
That’s a great perspective. My canned response for “thanks for your service” was “it was a blast” haha and in many ways it was as evident in my documentary “hammer down.” I wrestle with not wanting to live permanently in that world. On the one hand I want to show we are so much more than that chapter of our lives but since it was such a huge part of so many of our lives I can see why it’s a sticking point. For those at home whether they served or just want to show thanks, I have to let them and like you said, be that guy for them when necessary. Thanks for taking the time to reply, means a lot.
Stan. My opinion here. I think anyone who served is worthy of praise. I did not serve in Vietnam because of a draft lottery. Yes WW 2 and Vietnam were awful (as all war is) but those who were there, heck in any war or conflict were there preserving my freedoms. In my mind I am obligated to thank them (and you) for this. Thank God for those who willingly served. God Bless all of you. Love and Hugs!
Yea I tend to agree it’s just always weird when directed at me haha.