Happy Veterans Day!

[bbqchef]

Dee... Very well stated and a very accurate assessment.

Thank you for your service.

[HighOnSmoke]

Let me give my explanation of something. I may have posted this philosophy before and if I have forgive me because my memory is approaching that of the Turtle's.

You hear many people, particularly family members, complain veterans returning from war will never talk with them about what happen.  We don't do it because it is impossible for someone who has not been in war to comprehend what it's like talking about it to someone who can't comprehend does no good to either party.

If you ever observe some veterans talking about their war experiences you will most likely see them laughing and caring on.  Why? It's sort of black humor in that you are making lite of dangerous and what at times were really halarious situations even though they may have been life threatening. I guess it's sort of God's way of protecting our psyche and mind from going nuts if the dark side of what went on was dwelled on.

If you ever do run in to someone who goes on about their war experiences, be it in a bar or where ever, in my opinion one of two things exists.  First, they were in a war zone and so far in the rear they never heard a shot fired in anger and feel guilty about it and try to embellish in order to not feel inadequate. Or, second, they never were in war, maybe never even in uniform, and want to appear to be a warrior when in reality they are scared of their own shadow.

So, don't feel bad if a veteran doesn't talk to you about their experiences.  We don't do it because we believe you wouldn't understand and it would not accomplish anything.

Maybe if I had paid better attention in English classes in high school and college I would have been  able to better express the above thoughts to make them more lucid.  At least you get an inkling of what my thoughts are on this.

Dee

Very well explained Dee! I know of several people who "brag it up" about their war experiences and I have gotten fairly good in hearing BS, as I too know how it feels to be there! Been there, done that and don't really talk about it! I never forget, I just don't dwell on it!

[Patio Cook#1]

Dee,
Mega-Ditto.
Whatever number we're on
You nailed some very realistic thoughts there

[pz]

Happy Veteran's Day, and my hat's off to all of you that served our country.  Although I was not in the military, by brother was an A4 pilot, a good friend was an F-14 RIO, and our son has been deployed twice in the past two years - once to Iraq, and returned not too long ago from the Philippines.  This spring, he's headed out again.  Father-in-law was a CWO4 on the Kitty Hawk.

None of them ever spoke much about anything related to their war experiences - we don't even ask.

[RAD]

Happy Veterans Day my fellow Vets.

[fishingbouchman]

x11

[bbqchef]

To all my fellow veterans... Thank you for your service.

For those who didn't serve... Thank a vet today!

VN 1971 - 1972 AF ARRS CH-53 pilot
USAFR 1972-2012 Ret LTC

Like Dee said... those that did don't talk about it; those that didn't like to think they did and talk about things they never did.

[deestafford]

I just saw something y'all may like.  Go to YouTube and search "Marine stuns a tea party with fourth verse of Star Spangled Banner"

Dee

[drholly]

Dee, Thank you!
In 56 years, I have never heard this. I will share it with my girls. Very moving.

[dawrecknq]

To all my Friends on here..... Happy Veteran's Day!! Thank you for your service to this mighty Republic! Thank you for keeping my family safe; while missing time with yours. They say there is not debt that can't be repaid. This is the only debt I know for which it can never be repaid!! I wish all of you God's Abundant Blessings, Health and Smoke in your eyes!!!!

Here is a tribute that I post every Memorial Day and Veteran's Day....it is my simple way of honoring those who sacrificed the most and those who served with them.

[dawrecknq]

I just saw something y'all may like.  Go to YouTube and search "Marine stuns a tea party with fourth verse of Star Spangled Banner"

Dee

Thank you so much for bringing that to our attention..I took a time out and posted that to my Facebook page. Very, very powerful!

[dawrecknq]

Let me give my explanation of something. I may have posted this philosophy before and if I have forgive me because my memory is approaching that of the Turtle's.

You hear many people, particularly family members, complain veterans returning from war will never talk with them about what happen.  We don't do it because it is impossible for someone who has not been in war to comprehend what it's like talking about it to someone who can't comprehend does no good to either party.

If you ever observe some veterans talking about their war experiences you will most likely see them laughing and caring on.  Why? It's sort of black humor in that you are making lite of dangerous and what at times were really halarious situations even though they may have been life threatening. I guess it's sort of God's way of protecting our psyche and mind from going nuts if the dark side of what went on was dwelled on.

If you ever do run in to someone who goes on about their war experiences, be it in a bar or where ever, in my opinion one of two things exists.  First, they were in a war zone and so far in the rear they never heard a shot fired in anger and feel guilty about it and try to embellish in order to not feel inadequate. Or, second, they never were in war, maybe never even in uniform, and want to appear to be a warrior when in reality they are scared of their own shadow.

So, don't feel bad if a veteran doesn't talk to you about their experiences.  We don't do it because we believe you wouldn't understand and it would not accomplish anything.

Maybe if I had paid better attention in English classes in high school and college I would have been  able to better express the above thoughts to make them more lucid.  At least you get an inkling of what my thoughts are on this.

Dee

You are 100% right and you expressed quite eloquently!! I never served in the military, but I have Uncles and Friends who did. I was raised what I call "country" and my Dad modeled a deep reverance for those who served. He just barely missed WWII and I have heard him tell how that affected him. That as his Brothers went to serve, he was safe; I also heard my Uncles telling him that his service at home, on the family farm, was just as important as theirs. My experiences even with them mirror exactly what you say. If I have the opportunity to talk to any Great American and in the quiet of our conversation hear any outpouring, I feel extremely honored and will hold that conversation close to my heart for I know what it means. Thank you once again for such a great post!

[deestafford]

During WWII there were many who served on the home front without whom we would never have won.  My Daddy was one. He was an ironworker in the shipyard and they would not let him join because he was needed building ships. That was our last "declared" war where everyone here and ''over there" were involved.  Dee

[bbqchef]

Powerful video... more appropriate for Memorial Day but still very moving.

Thanks for posting it!