Rongnongno Loc: FL

I just read an article about the death of a 96 years old veteran.

He was part of the paratroopers who jumped over Normandy, France.

That made me wonder what he did, compared to other who also jumped, that made him so different other than an advanced age.

I have met many veterans who are wonderful folks in more than one way but also total jerks that did really nothing other than being there for something. As these folks grow older there is a f**e aura that is created around them.

That makes me wonder if we are not a bit hypocritical when we consider longevity as a measure of respect and valor.

I have seen many countries bestow medals and other recognition awards to folks over time w/o justification other than a will to 'remember' and 'recognize'.

This is anathema to me.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

What were you there for?

pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

I somehow get the feeling that you didn't sign that blank check to Uncle Sam to do with your life what he pleased. In other words you aren't a veteran. You're not one of the one percent that keeps us free, no matter what free country you reside. Maybe the will to 'remember' and 'recognize' is all the justification that is needed for what a vet has been through. You touched a sore spot with me considering an average of 22 vets a day are taking their own lives because of their experiences. Experiences no one should have to go through. Having to take a life under any circumstances cannot happen without repercussions, even if they are only in your own mind. But you are entitled to your opinion, and that's what they fought for.

Tex-s

I found myself wondering different things when I spent time with the only surviving WWII vet I've known as a close family member. (My wife's grandfather was on one of the first crews to arrive in Japan, after the surrender but before the dead bodies were all buried and long before those suffering with radiation burns and illness either died or recovered.) I found myself wondering how many terrible tales he never told his wife or his three daughters. I wondered how many times, even 50 years on, he would have nightmares. I wondered, further, why he enlisted after graduating college. Never did I imagine he was anything but a hero... to his children, his wife, his grandchildren, and on to the 18 (I think) great-grandchildren he had before he passed, and to the nation he volunteered to serve. I've met a LOT more former high school football players who inflate their history to appear more important than their past actually justifies........

Reading your post, though, did make me wonder if you feel the same way about other service providers, other protectors? Do you feel that honoring fallen police is somehow dishonorable because 1 in 100 police 'men' are a-holes? Do we condemn EVERY firefighter if one is a spouse abuser?

Veterans sacrifice in so many invisible ways. Trauma, injury, death of brothers-in-arms, lost time with family, broken relationships, insomnia, depression, and even physical ailments (agent orange, etc) come to mind. I for one simply will not judge these folks. I smile, nod, hold the door, and say "sir" or "ma'am."

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

papakatz45 Loc: South Florida-West Palm Beach

Rose42

Amen to that. Those who've never done anything have no idea what these men have gone through

Rose42

mwalsh Loc: Houston

You still a mindless pile of petty-pissed-off-whine I see...

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Elaine2025 Loc: Seattle, Wa

Thanks for the common sense post. On Friday I will be married 50 years to my veteran.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Thank you for his service.

Elaine2025 Loc: Seattle, Wa

Thank You. He is a great guy.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Funny that you folks are not reading the title then the content....

VALOR vs LONGEVITY.

As typed, I know many great veterans of all ages. I also know some folks who are veterans but complete assholes (to be polite). They get 'recognition because they are old, not because of their valor.

THAT is what I question. Longevity IS NOT a show of valor yet this how you all react, bowing to the generic meaningless 'Thank you for your services'.

Elaine2025 Loc: Seattle, Wa

I think your thought process needs some help. I know many veterans, and I can't think of one that is a jerk. So, the question becomes, who are you h*****g out with.

A show of VALOR is going into the service and serving. PERIOD.