Veteran's Day in the US

Thank you for your service vinny. I have the utmost respect for the men and women that put on the uniform no matter what branch and no matter where they send you. May I say that what I have read of your threads and posts you seem honest straight, forward, and are a pillar in this great country.

I salute you sir

Cheers to you, yours and the ones that didn't make it home.

 

And yes the people that start the wars are usually to chicken shit to ever fight in them.

 

Loving the new Avatar Vinny, a favourite pic of mine for so many reasons. I would have congratulated you on it elsewhere with an explanation but you seem to have made it impossible for anyone to write or chat to you or comment on your profile.

You know, I've often wondered if there should also be a global day of commemoration for all those countries around the world who had been invaded by the US?

 

No-one invaded the US - it wasn't the US when we all arrived. If anything Texas and much of Nevada was Mexico.

Either way - I'm glad you lived to tell the tales, and glad that you're here.

 

Regardless of all other considerations pro or con, take time to thank all Vets for their service. All gave some........some gave all

 

My father did three tours of duty on a riverboat. I have thanked him every year since I was 12. He doesn’t speak of it often, and when he does it is usually a funny story (yes apparently there were good times too).

Anyway, what struck me about your post vinny was fighting for your brother beside you. For certain the bonds created last a lifetime, my father has said he would like to see the guys he served with.

Thank you for your service @Vinny

 

I salute you sir. I was young too, naive and convinced I could make a difference. That I could make the world a better place. I volunteered.

I was wrong, so wrong. I'm not encouraging my children to make the same choice either. It's sad that we're being judged by people who refused to step forward and refuse to accept that war makes people do horrible things, far beyond one's imagination.

 

Its manipulation really, they know that even if we believe in the cause the desire to fight for it will soon pass when the casualties start. So they condition us then turn us into mates or buddies knowing that we will go where they say without dissent even if we have questions, then we will fight for each other because that is all we have and all that really matters. Those we lost, its true they are forever young and don't forget to add to that; the resentment we feel for those that sent us for their reasons never diminishes.

 

I don't know. I made a choice and I'm still proud of my motivation back then. I tried and I know that people who weren't there have an opinion about me. I have an opinion too. It is about @Vinny: you rock.

 

Life decisions should really be all based on making informed choices.

When you join the military at the age they let you in you choice is far from informed.
You can become informed and by then you are already in.

 

Yes I heard some “colorful” stories that even not being there , had still made me laugh. Funny stories about the local kids, misunderstandings, hell even hookers fighting each other with razors over who was getting the GI.

Humor I imagine was what kept your brain from realizing what danger you are in, defense mechanism.

Again I thank all those that served and do serve...I know I didn’t and hope my son never has to. I know that’s terrible, but I remember my father pulling me aside one day and told me to promise him that would never join the service. I agreed but asked why, he said because I love who you are now, war changes you. The gulf war had started and I had actually thought about enlisting to get on the GIBill for college.

 

Just love this tune!

 

Don't underestimate the power of music. I can't even stand in the shadow of Vinnie, but I can't listen to Annie Lennox' song Why either. This was my reality. This is a part of a BBC documentary about the area where we served.

 

Thanks for your service, Vinny. I enlisted during Nam as well, but never made it in-country. Spent most of my enlistment in Fort Meade, MD and Karamursel, Turkey working for the NSA and the naval security group.

 

surely you jest? If it wasn't for america most of europe would be speaking german right now. In vietnam we were defending the south from a communistic take over along with australia. We don't invade countries, we defend freedom wherever that may be. Now the war on terror as they call it is kinda fubar lol. Sure we have made mistakes along the way but the causes we support are just. The world cannot idly sit by and watch dictators and facists take over the world. So yes thank you to all of the veterans who served their countries. There is no bigger sacrifice then to put your life on the line for the cause of freedom

 

That's a nice thought but sadly not true.
Countries are invaded by the US and for strategic and commercial reasons.
There are facists and dictators all over the world. And America has some of the worst.
I think you have a very different view from where you are. The media have made sure of that.
nevertheless we should remember all those who went to war on behalf of their politicians in good faith.

 

Please don't divert this thread in this direction. Don't discredit the men and women who put their lifes at stake for what they thought at that time that their contribution would make the world a better place.

 

I wouldn't discredit them. As I mentioned they belived they were doing the right thing and fighting for their country.
I just think its time to question future wars and their makers.

 

While I agree with Amanda's statements personally - I would also like this thread to remain that intended by it's OP.

Anything else, please start a new thread.
Anything else on this one will be placed into a new thread for you, and hidden for a few weeks until the topical nature has altered. Thanks.