It is a Masquerade, as at times it needs to be, that should never be in our homes. For the Veterans of the past it was a war that was tactile, visual and while not easily understood within the larger theater, lacked invasive technology. Today it is so much more complex with the onset of technologies that are both coercive and without the obvious signs of the past.
I was a Flight Medic and spent time in the back of a UH1 responding to emergent need both within the Military and Civilian populations. I've never asked for a thank you, I volunteered and it was my job. I remember a Truck Driver that was crushed in his cab (we extracted him, placed Mast Trousers and many other services) sent me a letter after recovering at home. He wanted to thank us all for saving his legs, my Commander slapped me on the back and all I could say was "it's my job" and I'm truly happy that man can walk, run, ride a bike, drive his car, go to school, work, pay his bills, carry his children, climb a tree and embrace his freedom without obstruction or need for appliance.
This situation had nothing to do with Military action, yet we were there. Our Army isn't just some other Institution or Appendage of the Government. It is you and me, all of us. Regardless of our Individual Persona's or beliefs, the US Army is made up of all of us. I don't think any of us has an expectation of thanks, or special circumstances. All, any of us ask for is the promise made when we Enlist without being harassed or obstructed. We don't "deserve" something, it is promised and should never be determined by what is "deserving" in some minds. I fully support our Armed Forces and truly hope the best for all who are faced with the daily conflict.
I agree wholeheartedly, Tina. For the first time in my life, I am not wearing a poppy, because I've been so fed up with people equating my honouring of veterans with ostensible support of continuing war and hate.
Poppies are supposed to represent gratitude, remembrance and desire for peace. "Never again" and all that. Clearly some others don't see it that way.
I thank you for your comments. Also thanks to James G Bergstrom above, especially for the clarification on "deserving" something vis-à-vis contracting for it.
My dad is the cute, cocky-looking pilot standing straight up in the middle of the top row. He did fly this plane, although it was not his usual one.
I always thought your dad was amazing. Seems like he still is.
You could tell people about the magneto at the airport story..it rocks!
Best Veterans Day post yet!
Thank you for sharing your Dad's story. And your thoughts. Great way to honor vets on this day.
Wow! Honoring your dear father and all the vets today!
Thank you for posting this today, Tina.
Awesome pic and story. We are so prod of uncle Hank.
Thanks for bringing in the great thinker Howard Zinn to remind us that Veterans Day was originally Armistice Day, created after WWI finally ended.
Yes, thank you! Huge gratitude and admiration to all who serve.
I too am a pacifist and my father served as well in WW11. What a damaging war it was, emotionally to families that followed, not to mention the innocent ones When will we ever learn?
War should always be the very last resort. Like you, definitely NOT a fan of our recent and current overseas misadventures. But in the case of WWII, the men (and women) who crushed the Nazis saved the world.
My dad fought in the Pacific during WWII and had similar tales. Everyone in his generation was anxious to sign up. We can honor their individual sacrifice without condoning the collective pathology of war.
My father and uncles were there and my mom said they never got over it.
Wow. What happened to them over there?
Dad was in a plane fire and lost his copilot. Bill and Bob were both wounded in close combat. Alcohol became their medicine of choice. Blessings on their memory.
Those guys could kick a modern humans posterior, with just their eyes.
Beautiful tribute from a Pacifist. Reconciliation of the heart, for honoring Soldiers, sailors, and Airmen and women on Veterans Day. Thank you for your heart, wisdom and artistry in written form, Tina Fields!