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jmjoseph · May 22, 2009, 08:33 PM

It being Memorial Day weekend , I'd like to thank our veterans for their dedicated service from the bottom of my heart. Being the son and grandson of veterans, I know how proud I am of my family for having served not only in the military, but having seen active duty. (I wanted to join myself, but had a crippling knee injury playing high school ball when I was 16). My grandfather was in a horse back machine gun troop in WWI, and my father fought in Korea. Back then things were different. The ENTIRE COUNTRY was behind our troops when we went to war. Starting with the war in Vietnam, and the first Persian Gulf war, as well as Iraq and Afganistan, things were, and are not so clear as to why,what,If... However our men and women have taken an oath , and are following direct orders from our Commander In Chief and are risking their lives for US, and this GREAT COUNTRY that we're so fortunate to live in. They're leaving their spouses, KIDS , parents, to go half way across the world to risk their lives, wearing heavy gear in a terrible climate, only to come home to, or hear on the news from, a certain percentage of United States' citizens disrespecting them and the causes that there are dying for. They are using the very freedom of speech that these brave men and women would lay their life down for to defend to insult them and our leaders. I would like to know from any veteran, in an anonymous forum, how they feel by this. I know it sickens ME, I simply can't imagine how I would feel having seen my buddies killed on a daily basis, only to come home to a cold reception. Not from all mind you, but even one is too many. Again, THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU ALL. If it weren't for brave soldiers like you all we would be speaking another language.

Catsmine · May 28, 2009, 04:45 AM

I know what you mean. Our local TV station's site had comments posted by some anti-military provocateur talking about how he refused to "worship" the military and would not "bow down" to any veteran. I replied that we went out and fought and some of us died so that he wouldn't have to bow to any man. I remember saying that a thank you would be nice but we went and continued to go anyway, and he replied that that was "a typical you-owe-me attitude." I got steamed.

BTW, you're welcome.

excon · Jun 3, 2009, 06:28 AM

Originally Posted by jmjoseph

only to come home to, or hear on the news from, a certain percentage of United States' citizens disrespecting them and the causes that they're are dying for. They are using the very freedom of speech that these brave men and women would lay their life down for to defend to insult them and our leaders.

Hello jm:

It you believe in the very freedom of speech you talk about, then you should celebrate the noise you hear, even if you disagree.

As a matter of fact, the fight is ABOUT letting the people who disagree with you have their say.

excon

PS> (edited) I see that I didn't answer your question. When I came back from Vietnam, the only time I was disrespected was by the COPS who beat me in the head because I was marching in a demonstration AGAINST the war. Yes, I was wearing my uniform... Those COPS didn't respect MY rights.

Don't YOU be like them.

Catsmine · Jun 3, 2009, 08:55 AM

Ex,

I absolutely do honor their right to speak their mind. I just wish they could be more civil about it.

jmjoseph · Jun 3, 2009, 04:36 PM

I do respect their opinion also. I just don't like someone who complains about the food when their mouth and belly are full.

Catsmine · Jun 3, 2009, 04:51 PM

An old, old TV sitcom called "Major Dad" had it nailed perfectly. The Major's daughter wanted to do something extremely silly in her high school. The administration came down on her with both feet. The Major went to meet the principal and agreed it was possibly the silliest, stupidest thing he had ever heard of... "But, I swore an oath over twenty years ago to defend to the death her right to do it." Is there anything further to say?