Happy Veteran’s Day
I know I’m a day late, but I did post this on time on my MySpace page. This may seem a bit odd coming from a veteran, but I wanted to express my gratitude towards those that came before me.
As a Soldier, I take the service of those men and women from generations past personally. I understand to a degree what they had to endure to ensure that I would inherit a free and prosperous country. Because of their service, I grew up in the most powerful, most respected nation on this earth. And it wasn’t easy. Military service today isn’t that difficult compared to what my predecessors went through.
Today, we are paid more, better trained, better equipped, and have more benefits than at any time in history. There have been great strides in just the 13 years I’ve been in the Army. I remember making $200 paychecks as a Private and somehow surviving and supporting a wife (yes, it took a lot of Ramen and spaghetti). Today, Privates make approximately $500 every two weeks. It’s still not a lot, but it’s getting better. However, in January 1943, Privates made $50 PER MONTH before deductions.
The Korean War is also known as the Forgotten War. Over 33,600 Soldiers died during this conflict which technically never ended. There are over 8,000 still missing. The North Koreans and Chinese were brutal to our troops. Because of poor planning, poor training, and poor support our troops were forced to retreat early in the war, most likely prolonging our fighting. These veterans deserve to remembered and celebrated this Veteran’s Day as much as any other Soldier. Their accomplishments should not fade into oblivion just because they were overshadowed by a WWII and Vietnam. Remember them and please pray for them.
During the Vietnam War, this country could not have paid our Soldiers enough. While the WWII Veterans comprise the “greatest generation” I think we owe a greater debt to our Vietnam Veterans. They were drafted, underpaid, and endured adversity both in combat and at home. They came home to an ungrateful nation and many still bear those scars. Any time you see a veteran wearing a Vietnam Veteran hat or other identifier, please approach them, thank them for their service, and welcome them home. Better late than never.
If you have the ability or the opportunity (something we sometimes need to MAKE as oppose to chance upon), please visit a veteran’s home and thanks these people in person. It will mean a lot as you went out of your way for these people. Veteran’s Day is also called Remembrance Day, so please remember these veterans. Think about what you have in life and whether or not you would have these things without the sacrifices of so many willing to fight for it. Under Communist or Radical Islamist rule, many of those comforts would be forbidden. You can also visit a local VFW or American Legion. Trust me, they ALWAYS want to talk about ANYTHING!! hehe. Just make sure you take a thick skin in with you.
Last year, I put up a video on my YouTube page for Veteran’s Day. It sort of puts to music what I’ve been trying to say here. Please check it out when you can . Also, my Happy Birthday thoughts are sent out to all those brave Marines past and present in commemoration of the Corps Birthday.
Happy Veteran’s Day!!
harold
November 12th, 2007 at 2:44 pmThanks CJ. I never told my father thanks, nor did I tell my older brother but I never forget to tell my Uncle. All three of these men served our country during times of strife. My father and Uncle both served in WWII in the European theater, they both served in the Korean conflict, and 3 tours each in Viet Nam, and when President Bush (1) was looking for volunteers for Desert Storm….my father (who was retired at the time) raised his hand, passed the physical but wasn’t activated. My father received the Bronze Star with V, and a purple heart (twice). I need to ask my Uncle what he received. My older brother served in Viet Nam, 3 tours also, had his helicopter shot down twice wasn’t injured due to the excellent flying skills of the pilot/co-pilot. My younger brother did a peacetime tour in Korea. Me, I was the lucky one, I did my time stationed at the Pentagon.