The Red Badge Of Poor Timing

[rebelcoyote]

Over the last few months, I’ve thought a lot about the wars we’ve fought. Although I’m aware of the significance of the conflict I was involved in I never fired a shot. I didn't do anymore than any of the other guys in my unit and even though I was wounded, my purple heart merely reflects unfortunate timing. People wonder how the traumatic attack

Comments

[mizdandylynn]

My grandfather served in WWI and was wounded... according to my grandmother he was never the same.

My uncle served in WWII and my dad in the Korean conflict.

I honor all who serve.. whether there is active conflict...or not Whether they are wounded or not whether they think they make a difference or not.

Thank you Trueman.. not only for serving.. but for reminding me of important things.

[zakat451]

Thank you Trueman.

[mandako19]

my grandpa served during WWII and my uncle during no actual conflict. i am so gratful to all who have served/are serving this country. i dont want to know what life would be like if they didnt fight.

thanks go to you also trueman. its good to hear from you again.

[flemco]

As much as I dig the fuck out of your journal and think you're a schmoovy dude, I'm not sure I can agree with your sentiment entirely

Re:

[roninspoon]

That's our job though. We do what we're told and we go where we're needed. Every soldier knows that. A few don't particularly like to think about it, but they realize it deep down. We aren't in it for the gratitude, the drinks or any other compensation. Most of us do it because we have to, we need to, because we believe it must be done. Since I returned from the Gulf War a couple of people have thanked me for my service. That was nice, made me feel kinda good. But I didn't do what I did to be congratulated. I did it because I believe it must be done. Someone has to protect this country of ingrates from itself.

I don't think the dude's asking you to condone the war, but to condone the soldier.

Incidentally, to date, the small number of people who have thanked me, were either veterans themselves or spouses of veterans. I'm not sure is that's relevant, but it struck me as interesting.

Re:

[graf_garcia]

+++I don't think the dude's asking you to condone the war, but to condone the soldier+++

absolutely. as long as the army is based on volunteering recruits rather than on the draft (and all wars this army has fought over last 49 years were fought on foreign soil against enemies who never attempted to attack the U.S.), the soldier shares full responsibility for everything the army does. to condone the soldier IS to condone the war. And vice versa.
People who put stickers ``we support our troops'' on their car bumpers are condoning soldiers AND wars, not ``soldiers rather than wars''. Don't be surprised when you get smacked by a rotten tomato in Amsterdam or when a girl you try to chat up in a Milano bus gets up and changes seats, having heard you're a GI and proud of it.

Re:

[roninspoon]

There is a very real difference between the soldier and the war. It's unfortunate, but I suspect that people like you will never understand, no matter how much other's try to explain it to you. It is I who pity you.

And just for the record, I'm not one of those veterans who would slump his shoulders and feel shamed if some one attacked me for my service. The rotten tomato tossed at me won't harm me or my pride, but the dude who threw it better have fast legs.

[dormouse_in_tea]

Amen. Thanks, Trueman.