As a child of the 70’s, as someone who grew up in a liberal enclave, I’m glad to see our armed forces getting the respect they deserve.
I remember all too well how soldiers were treated back in the day. At best, aliens amongst us. At worst, pariahs. Baby killers. This despite that the draft meant that many if not most of our soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors were compelled to serve.
You might think that our all-volunteer armed services would make things worse. It’s just the opposite. When we thank veterans for their service, we know that they chose to serve. That adds a layer of respect.
Some of that has to do with the media. We can see our fighting forces at work. And should more often (YouTube has plenty of fighting videos.) It also reflects 9/11. Unlike Vietnam, our current foreign military adventures are tied to a heinous act of aggression against Americans here at home.
Yes, there’ve been incidents that’ve brought shame to our troops. But in the main, we’ve got a front row seat to the unparalleled professionalism and honor that characterizes our modern Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and National Guardsmen.
Returning veterans deserve our emotional, practical and financial support. I try to live up to that obligation in any way I can.
Like smoking cigars from Southern Draw, a veteran-owned and operated company. While they make a truly excellent stick at an entirely reasonable price, there are better cigars. And there are better places to be than Iraq and Afghanistan.
Do you support vets? How?