Concerning the "lionizing of troops"... after clearing the straw, think of this:
Concerning the “lionizing of troops”... after clearing the straw, think of this:
The military stopped Trump from fully taking over. The military held the country together for the last 4 years. The military is the core function and protector of our free democracy.
If you are embarrassed and uncomfortable when people thank you for your service, then so be it. That is your personal feelings. I am never embarrassed or uncomfortable when a person takes the time to acknowledge my service to my country. I love my country and I love other people who also love their country, and if expressing a “thanks for serving” is how they show it, then that makes me happy.
I am also a former military member. I served for over 20 years. I picked up and moved my family 9 times. My wife had to quit and start many jobs. I was never able to buy a house until I left service. My children left many friends behind when we moved.
But, I got through it. I myself am grateful for the security I had in the military. I am grateful America trusted me to be in charge of their young sons and daughters they sent to me to be trained and mentored in a skill and job that for many was the best thing that ever happened to them. I met and served with some of the best Americans that my country had to offer that I was fortunate to work for and have work for me.
I have noticed from time to time DU members mentioning they have sons or daughters or grandchildren in the military and that have said how proud they are and also sometimes worried about them during Trumps reign. Many times I have tried to comfort them by telling them their loved ones are serving honorably and not to worry because they are in good hands and will come home soon.
And, I guarantee this... These Moms and Dads and Grandparents certainly “Lionize” their loved ones in the military. For some, it’s a family tradition, for some it’s getting a good skill, education, and retirement like myself. Some young kids join the military to get out of dead-end jobs in dead-end cities. Some people join to leave abusive conditions or relationships at home.
Some bad apples get in the military and get found and get booted out. Some bad apples stick it out and are crappy military members the whole time and then get out and go home and piss and moan about the military.
Putting on the uniform doesn’t magically make a person better. But, it should. The person wearing that uniform has an awesome responsibility to be honorable and proud and serve with distinction. Americans have traditionally shown their love and thankfulness to their fellow Americans who have chosen the military life. When a military member besmirches the uniform and country, that person alone is responsible for his actions.
America is, of course, way beyond the glory days when serving in the military was considered the career path of many professions. Times have changed. But, the military will still be there, no matter what happens and who’s in charge. The military is the rock upon which America is built. The military will carry on.
If you feel in your heart that you appreciate the military and want to thank a service member, please don’t hesitate just because you heard somewhere that a military person is uncomfortable or embarrassed to be thanked. I promise you that if that military member served with pride and honor, they will again feel that pride and honor just like they did when they first put on that uniform and looked in the mirror.
Thank you for reading this, and if you are serving or have served your country in the Armed Forces or in civilian support, THANK YOU!
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