Memorial Day 2012

[jim18]

After reading some of the postings on this topic, I will start by saying that I like reading differing points of view on the topic of Veteran’s Day.  In my opinion, it is hard to dedicate a day to Veterans without discussing the pros and cons of various military conflicts in which Americans have given so much.When you try to compare the attitude of civilians and military in South Vietnam with that of similar people living in South Korea, I think you can see some big differences in the attitude and actions of these people.I see the Vietnam war as a loss for America.  But, I guess you can define the end of a war in a number of ways.  Looking back, I also blame President Johnson for his war efforts.  Likewise, I feel that we wasted our resources in Iran and Afghanistan.  We turned those wars into nation building while leaving our borders insecure from illegal aliens.  Putting political or military issues aside, I would like to suggest that Veteran’s Day not be part of a three day weekend.  Pick a week day in which those who want to spent it paying tribute to Veterans can do so, in some way that does not promote elected officials, or union leaders.  And those who do not want to promote Veteran’s Day can use it as a day to catch up on life.Today, Veteran’s Day is mainly an excuse for BBQ’s or parades that interfere with the flow of traffic or speeches by people that are boring, trite, and will soon be forgotten.  In my opinion the government should not be involved in planning of Veteran’s Day events.  Instead, these events should take place in such places as a VFW or an American Legion Hall.  Mainly these events would be attended by Veterans and their family and friends.  Let the general public get involved in supporting Veteran’s Day by supporting local, state and federal Veteran’s benefits.As to the draft days, well I hated the draft.  Even though I served in the Air Force, I came into contact with enough people to say this.  Many joined the Air Force to avoid being drafted into the Army.  I saw nothing wrong with this, excepting that I was forced to work and live with people that did not want to be in the services.    Regarding the character of some people, I would certainly say that these was not men and women of honor, valor, courage, or pride in being American.  The draft is now gone, and this is what the military leaders wanted to happen.  They realized that service based on wanting to be in the military was producing better results than service required.Serving in the Air Force was almost a waste of time in my opinion, but I did learn that I wanted to get an higher education.  So, when I came home I enrolled in college and got a degree.  I am happy for the GI Education bill that helped pay for my education.  On the other hand, I think it is wrong to create programs that promote hiring Veterans over non Veterans.

[faygo]

Veterans Day is not to be confused with Memorial Day( The original topic) . Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S military veterans while Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women that died while serving.

[jim18]

Well Faygo, I am shocked, and you are right.  In looking back how did i mix Veterans Day with Memorial Day.  Some of the ideas that I expressed would not be logical for Memorial Day. Still, I am having some problem with the general public being involved in either day.   For now, I am staying with the theme that speeches and BBQ,s are far removed from a  true picture of what happened in military life and or military death.

[cook1947]

As a member of the class of 1965 in San Diego, Ca.,I have very specific opinions on the Vietnam war; as the daughter of an Army Sgt. in WWII, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and NEVER recovered from his wounds, physically and emotionally, and as a sister of a Naval Officer during Viet Nam, the only thing I can say with any certainty is that war is STUPID. It's destructiveness lasts forever and usually serves no purpose. Ideology, be damned. WWII brought this country together; Vietnam divided it. Those who fight in any war, drafted or enlisted, are to be admired. I could not imagine being in any of their positions, and faced what they did, but at least now, we shake their hands in gratitude, not spit on them. Maybe because I just turned 65, I see just how YOUNG these people are. Any servicemen should be honored. It takes courage and dedication and I wish them all safe passage. I don't need a date on the calendar to remember my friends who did not come home from VietNam..I remember them always.