Wouldn’t be my blog and not mention Veteran’s Day which grew out of Remembrance and Armistice Days. 11th hour, 11th day 11th month 1919 treaty signing in France BUT fighting went on in many areas for many years. Problem soon became was NOT the end of wars but the basis for many of the next. Soviet Empire/communism, Nazism/Fascism, Ottoman Empire struggles remains as Zionism/Palestine, and near total demilitarization in ’20s-30’s led to Japan’s Empire late 30’s which Hitler ganged along with post Dec 7, 1941.
Since war does not end, celebrate the fallen on Memorial Day for all wars but honor all who serve, ever, on Nov 11th seems sorta sane, Made LOTS more sense after June ’73 when all volunteer force meant all wanted to be there. ALL 33 years WW2, Korea and VietNam conscription ended. One day I looked around my NATO Nuke Strike Base Operations tower and realized everyone of my troops could leave some point and the next hires would be because they wanted to . Growing up it seemed like death and taxes so would it work? Many new conflicts and 41 years later? It has.
Who’s a veteran? Federal law says A military veteran is “Any person who served for Any length of time in Any military service branch”. Note Any- Any- Any which is all inclusive. Requirement is to give up “Screw off!” civilian noninvolvement when needed by your nation . Status, extra added money, benefits don’t quite make up for that so that’s what the day honors and recalls. It’s gotten better in my time. I park my Purple Heart or Disabled Vet licensed car at Target and some will say “Thanks for your service” . Near 50 years late but welcome. OK to hate war but honor the service. And just like the guy who gets it once a year? Be happy! Today’s the day!
Don I Philips, Captain, USAF, Retired.
zins says:
“And a big ole “Thank You” for your service Don!”
Right back to you, Jake.
I’d real doubts as same forces were in place NATO and Far East even during years last idiot POTUS Carter in 4 short ones demolished most preparedness until tossed by Reagan in ’80. Build back up to 1st World Power facing Gorby down till Wall fell seemed proper but the task that said ” We’re back” just before Evil Empire fell in ’90 ( Stage 1 now running away in Stage 2 under Obama’s see no evil ) was sudden Panama Incursion full decade after Jimmie gave away Canal to Noreiga despotism. Dead of night “BANG” and he was in Florida doing time. Was a “Yes we can” moment.no hope needed under Bush 41. As always ole pendulum swung 2 times with Clinton and Bush 43 and we’d a World Organizer pulling strings behind the curtain not out in front leading. Present day? I’ve confidence he’s been outed and will build Habitat Homes in S. Chi. years ahead. Actually I think it’s MIchelle knows how to swing a hammer. 8
And a big ole “Thank You” for your service Don!