On War, Guilt and ‘Thank You for Your Service’


I(speaking for myself) don't think it's out of guilt as much it is out of lessons learned from the past. Whether you agree with a war or not does not mean that you don't admire those that choose to go. I think we as a country have learned to differentiate between the role of the policy maker vs that of the soldier that is sent. Vietnam taught us much as a nation, at least I hope. Whether GI's were spit on I don't know, but that's what was taught in American history in HS in the 80's. Thought provoking article:thumb:
 
I'll admit to feeling awkward when people thank me. I haven't done much to deserve thanks from random people, but there are a lot of men and women who wear the uniform who do. So, I politely say thank you, and hope that they'll thank someone who deserves it more than I.
 
Dr. Samet was my professor for two classes. She's absolutely brilliant. An interesting read, for sure.

Is she still at West Point? I loved her book and hope that my son may have her as a professor.
 
I'll admit to feeling awkward when people thank me. I haven't done much to deserve thanks from random people, but there are a lot of men and women who wear the uniform who do. So, I politely say thank you, and hope that they'll thank someone who deserves it more than I.

Even though you may have not been put in harms way does not mean your "service" is not worthy of appreciation. You are obviously a humble person, and that is very cool, but even in peace time there are sacrifices. Anyone that has ever been separated from loved ones even for Basic Training and schools much less those lovely 6 or 12 month tours where the wife couldn't accompany deserves a thank you. Even in peace time I remember moving umpteen times and being the homesick dependent. DH had a TDY scheduled close to the time our daughter was born. Major wake up call for me. Thats when I realized that its called being in the "service" for a reason. It was to Canada and it was not remotely dangerous except for the occasional bar fights. There were issues between the Brits and the French (He was a cop). Can't imagine what it's like to serve now, because the possibility of Afghanistan is always looming for many. From a civilian perspective it takes guts to put on the uniform period, especially in these times. By the way..thank you:biggrin:
 
Is she still at West Point? I loved her book and hope that my son may have her as a professor.

I don't know if she teaches any courses, but last year she was the course director for EN101/102
 
On War, Guilt and Thank You...

You are extremely humble to say it feels awkward, when someone says thank you. We in the civilian world owe you all everything we have, outside of Jesus Christ of course. Because with you guys in the military at all levels we have nothing no freedom , no free speech, the lists goes on and on. My wife, my brother and my Dad, all served. We live in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.

I say thanks to you all,

God Bless and God Speed,

RGK
 
DD always felt awkward with someone saying "Thanks For Your Service". Her response to me was "Yeah like I walked across the Yard without my jacket in the snow". "Other people are really earning the thanks". Now doing TBS and working toward her Thank You.
 
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