No, I don’t recall my kids ever asking me this, but it was a sort of anti-war saying back in the day (for me, the 1960’s). This was a bitter time in our history when servicemen were advised to wear civvies, when traveling, whenever possible. I was quite gung-ho back then. I now feel that our time in Vietnam was an unnecessary waste in blood and treasure. Little did I know what would follow in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Here at “The Home”, we have a prominently displayed “Wall of Honor”, consisting of photos of folks like me – men and women who answered the call and served. Here in the Tidewater area of Virginia, there is a significant active duty presence in the Navy, Army, Marines and Air Force. The local culture is deferential to service people (we hear “Thanks for your service”; there are parking spots for vets), and other kindnesses. Quite a contrast from what I experienced in the 60’s. I can’t help wondering how society writ large will see things, as we die off, and are not replaced – and the percentage of the citizenry represented by military people and veterans continues to drop.
Our vets served in various roles. Wayne was a helo pilot in ‘Nam, later had a long career in law enforcement. Jean was a combat nurse, also in ‘Nam. Mike did some time in Korea after graduation from VMI.
Bob was a fighter pilot in Korea. We recently lost Angelo, also a Korean War soldier. I did a stint in the Navy, laying SOSUS cable and training reservists. None of us suffered from flat feet, bone spurs, or whatever our commander-in-chief to be was afflicted with.
We also had Jack, who had careers both in the Navy, and the Hooligan Navy, aka the U.S. Coast Guard. We lost him recently, in his 99th year. Also leaving us: Butch, who jumped out of planes, and Karen, a nurse in the Marine Corps. She is survived by Dave, a Naval officer. This is only a small part of the honorees on the Wall.
We live in a part of Virginia with generations of service people. The percentage of military people far exceeds that in much of the country. There are a lot of shipyard workers here, many of whom suffered from mesothelioma after inhaling asbestos fibers (who knew?). Lawyers (ambulance chasers) make a living from this unintended consequence. You can sort of tell – there are more TV commercials selling these services than you would see in, say, the D.C. suburbs.
As Veterans Day approachs, I often wonder how much longer the nation will commemorate vets. Will there be any left? Yes, we need a shop-till-you-drop holiday in November, I suppose. Beginning of Xmas season. It can always be repurposed. The holiday was called Armistice Day when I was a kid. Remember? “The War to End All Wars”? I’m sure some future generation will find some money-making purpose. It’s a shame to waste a federal holiday.
Rogernarc 