Big Blue Huddle

Every year, I post a thread about Veteran's Day. I usually go into detail about the history of this day, but I'm sure most already know.

On the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, WWI officially came to an end. This day, over the years, is a day to say thank you to any and all who served their country. Unlike Memorial Day when we pay tribute to those who gave their lives to keep us safe and free, Veteran's Day is to honor those still with us (and those who have also passed).
 If you see a Veteran tomorrow, thank them for their service to our country. I know, it will be much appreciated.

As in the past, I share a few videos that have extra meaning to me and they represent what this day is all about. If you have a few minutes, watch them, if you have seen them before, watch them again.

It was my honor to serve our country during the Viet Nam Era. I am proud to say I served and gave 4 years of my life to serve this great country. To all others who have also served, Thank you for your service.

Thank you Lenn.

Proud to have your back in a foxhole, Lenn, anytime!

Remembering our Veterans and their selfless service for our great nation is what today is all about.

For those of them who made the greatest sacrifice in service, by giving their life, theirs is the highest gratefulness this nation can bestow on them, lest we forget.

Thank you, fellow Veterans, for your service!

Peace!

I saw an interview of vets some of whom said they hate being thanked because of the horror of what they personally did of killing people.

Thank you, Lenn.

Quote from: Philosophers on November 11, 2024, 09:30:54 AMI saw an interview of vets some of whom said they hate being thanked because of the horror of what they personally did of killing people.

Phil

I cannot speak what others have gone thru. My job, while I was in the service was to process guys who were finishing their tours in Viet Nam and coming to Germany. I consider myself a good communicator and loved talking with these guys, but each came with their own stories. Some couldn't wait to get to Germany while others, well, you couldn't get two words out of them. They have letters and classifications for these guys now, back then it was 'Suck it up, soldier'. There are many out there who regret many things that went on during their tours, so nothing is off the table. I cannot disagree with you on what you say, but I have never met a veteran who wasn't grateful when someone thanked them for their service.

Just a quick story. I usually wear an AF cap that says I'm a veteran. While in an airport somewhere, waiting to board a plane, a little boy, about 10, came over to me and thanked me for my service. I could see his mother urging him as to what to do, But he extended his hand and I shook it. I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was a this and still refer to it often. I do not need to be thanked for my service, but if someone thinks enough of veterans to thank them, I acknowledge them with a smile and thank them for saying what they did. When I returned from Germany, it was 1969 and I was literally spit on when I wore my uniform on a date while in NY. I never put that uniform on again, but really, until recently, the returning men from the Vietnam era were shunned and ignored. Now they are being recognized as heroes and their service is appreciated. I join in that. As with WWII vets, the Viet Nam vets are dying off and we need to thank them for what they did, especially during those trying times.  Believe me, they will appreciate it.

Thanks to all veterans, brothers and sisters all.  And,  of course,  Go Navy!

Quote from: LennG on November 11, 2024, 10:50:37 AMPhil

I cannot speak what others have gone thru. My job, while I was in the service was to process guys who were finishing their tours in Viet Nam and coming to Germany. I consider myself a good communicator and loved talking with these guys, but each came with their own stories. Some couldn't wait to get to Germany while others, well, you couldn't get two words out of them. They have letters and classifications for these guys now, back then it was 'Suck it up, soldier'. There are many out there who regret many things that went on during their tours, so nothing is off the table. I cannot disagree with you on what you say, but I have never met a veteran who wasn't grateful when someone thanked them for their service.

Just a quick story. I usually wear an AF cap that says I'm a veteran. While in an airport somewhere, waiting to board a plane, a little boy, about 10, came over to me and thanked me for my service. I could see his mother urging him as to what to do, But he extended his hand and I shook it. I cannot tell you how overwhelmed I was a this and still refer to it often. I do not need to be thanked for my service, but if someone thinks enough of veterans to thank them, I acknowledge them with a smile and thank them for saying what they did. When I returned from Germany, it was 1969 and I was literally spit on when I wore my uniform on a date while in NY. I never put that uniform on again, but really, until recently, the returning men from the Vietnam era were shunned and ignored. Now they are being recognized as heroes and their service is appreciated. I join in that. As with WWII vets, the Viet Nam vets are dying off and we need to thank them for what they did, especially during those trying times.  Believe me, they will appreciate it.

Lenn - in listening to these men, it sounded like they suffered from horrible guilt at killing others so the thank you made them feel worse.  I am not opining but just sharing what I heard on the interview. 

Phil

 When it comes to guys in actual combat situations, I believe anything.

So did you all thank a veteran yesterday? Hope so, but today is a new day and so is tomorrow. You shouldn't need a holiday to thank a veteran. Yes, Phil made a point, but most veterans appreciate it when some one stops and says Thanks for your service.  Do it as often as you can. It will be appreciated.

As a matter of fact, I did have an opportunity on Sunday to put the Giants latest debacle aside in talking with one of my Daughters, her Husband and three of my Grandchildren. I don't know why it came up- perhaps because they were thinking of Veterans Day- but I was asked in what unit I served during the Korean so called Police Action.

I told them I was with the 14th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and so, of course, they immediately went to their iPhone to check it out and took note of the 25ths well known shoulder patch of a red Taro leaf and yellow Lightning bolt referred to as Tropic Lightning. I say well known as it has appeared in at least 3 movies: Best Years of Our Lives, From Here to Eternity, and Platoon. I may be a bit weird, but it still annoys me when I hear it referred to as the "Electric Strawberry"



Cheers!

All veterans deserve the respect and acknowledgement of a simple "thank you for your service". I don't know of their time spent nor do I judge their service. They did a job that had to be done and it wasn't always done right or may have come at a price. That doesn't matter now. They stood up and did it, not because they wanted to but because it was required. Behind every veteran who gave service to this country are others who rest having never heard those words.

Thank you for your service.

Quote from: Painter on November 12, 2024, 08:06:59 PMAs a matter of fact, I did have an opportunity on Sunday to put the Giants latest debacle aside in talking with one of my Daughters, her Husband and three of my Grandchildren. I don't know why it came up- perhaps because they were thinking of Veterans Day- but I was asked in what unit I served during the Korean so called Police Action.

I told them I was with the 14th Regiment, 25th Infantry Division and so, of course, they immediately went to their iPhone to check it out and took note of the 25ths well known shoulder patch of a red Taro leaf and yellow Lightning bolt referred to as Tropic Lightning. I say well known as it has appeared in at least 3 movies: Best Years of Our Lives, From Here to Eternity, and Platoon. I may be a bit weird, but it still annoys me when I hear it referred to as the "Electric Strawberry"



Cheers!

Larry, Thank YOU for your service. If you ever get a chance to chat with our own Dumpster Dan, who also served in 'that conflict' around Korea.