Quote:
Originally Posted by Ultramaroon
For me, Memorial Day is a time of reflection on how cruel we can be to each other.
Veterans' day is more celebration that I survived it.
And, unless coming from another vet, I have mixed feelings about being thanked for my service.
|
I feel the same.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spuds
What mixed feelings do you have and why?
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by MuseChaser
@ Ultramaroon ..
I have the same question; I frequently thank veterans and active military for their service, with complete sincerity and awe for the sacrifices they made or are making for me and my family. Once in a while, I've just sort of felt a vibe that the person I was thanking wasn't happy with me for doing so. I didn't understand, and still,don't, but the last thing I'd want to do would be to sleight someone who gave so much to their country. Can you help me understand? Service folks don't pay for their beverages in my presence, either. One of my very few regrets in life is the fact that by the time I realized just how much service folks give to us all, I was too old to serve myself. Stupid, selfish youth, speaking solely for myself.
Whether or not you want to hear it, Ultra...thank you, sincerely. |
Don't know if Ultra has an answer for you guys but I know I don't. Would love to say some insightful comments such as "We we just doing our job" or "somebody had to" but those are not how I think of the subject. There is something buried someplace in my mind that makes me uncomfortable sometimes when somebody says thanks.
I will politely decline free drinks, refuse to get veterans plates for my car to take advantage of the system and in general just do not want any special treatment. At the same time it does not bother me in the least to share my stories or history.