Saturday November 11 is Veteran's Day. Perhaps our most important holiday in my opinion. It is quite a sacrifice to have served in the armed forces during a time of war.
I never reveal my politics here in the Forums, but I never hesitate to express my respect for our US veterans.
We members of the DTIC have a problem with staying on topic. This is never more evident than when the topic of veterans comes up. A while back I posted a link to a touching video tribute to the soldiers serving in Iraq. It was not a "pro war" or "anti-war" video. It was a "pro soldier" video. But several members displayed a distinct inability to make that distinction. The topic aroused a lot of debate about the war, the politicians, etc. That was not why I posted the link. I tried to make it clear, but still the debate continued.
Ron (accobra) recently posted a topic quoting Tony Blair, who had made a complimentary statement about the aid England had received from the US and its veterans. Ron made it very clear that it reminded him of his father who was a veteran, and wanted to share Blair's statement. Pantera Doug also mentioned he liked the quote for the same reason. Its obvious to me the post was not meant to be pro-war or political, rather a bittersweet reminder to Ron & Doug of their deceased veteran fathers. Then others went off topic and began commenting on their dislike of Bush or their politics. Am I the only person who found it disrespectful to turn a tribute for Ron's father into a soapbox for anti-Bush sentiment?
So here we go again. I would like this topic to be a place where members can express their appreciation for veterans. PERIOD. Not political. Not pro-war, not anti-war. Not pro-Bush, not anti-Bush. Just positive expressions regarding US veterans.
And along that vein I have a story...
Today I dropped by the supermarket to pick up a few things I needed around my home. Outside the store, sitting on a bench, was a white haired, bearded "hobo", homeless guy, strumming a guitar & singing folk music. The patrons of the store were walking by as though the old fella wasn't there.
I have a soft spot in my heart for the less fortunate, so I turned aside to listen. When he and I made eye contact, I spoke up and said "Viet Nam?". He nodded and kept strumming and singing. I pulled a $20 bill from my wallet, folded it up & stuffed it in his shirt pocket. His voice quivered a bit, but he kept strumming and singing. A tear appeared in the corner of his eye.
I spoke up again and asked if he knew how to play Cowgirl in the Sand. Without missing a beat he changed the strumming of his guitar to a new tune, and began singing the lyrics "Hello Cowgirl in the Sand". I sat down next to him on the bench and joined in. He knew the lyrics a bit better than I did, but we entertained folks for about 10 minutes.
Afterwards I got up, patted him on the back and went about my business. He kept strumming his guitar, and singing a new song, he gave me a "thank you nod".
A veteran returning from war with physical injuries receives all the aid and concern a person should expect. But those whos injuries are only mental or emotional, are often misunderstood by society. Many of the scars of war are not physical. The battlefield is very traumatic. The mental & emotional trauma doesn't receive the aid or concern that the physical injuries receive. Veterans overwhelmed with such trauma become social outcasts, the hobos and homeless. Not all homeless people are alcohol or drug addicts. Those type of homeless cannot play a guitar & sing like this fella could. That's why I suspected he was a Vet.
This veterans day I would like to wish each and every veteran who reads this message a big hearfelt thank you. That includes you Coz, and you Marlin. I believe Glenn said he served in 'Nam too. My oldest son Nathan, served in the air force during Clinton's little incursion in the middle east (1998). My older brother Tom served in Viet Nam around 1960, as a "military advisor". My uncle Roy was a gunner on a battleship in the pacific during WWII. My uncle Cecil drove a tank under Patton, both in North Africa and in Europe, including the battle of the bulge. All of you, including those un-named, have EARNED my sincere respect. To those families who have lost loved ones in battle, you have my most heartfelt sympathy.
George
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