packed away

  Tomorrow is Veterans day. A day to remember and reflect upon those that have served in our military. Some did so voluntarily and some have been drafted. Well, no one has been drafted since 1973, fifty one years ago. That's amazing to me as I remember quite well the draft and my friends checking the newspaper when the list came out. I heard a few sighs of relief. I don't recall knowing anyone that was drafted from my high school class but some probably were. The reason people join the military are as different as the people joining. The reason isn't important though, the action is. Whether from a sense of duty, or a sense of patriotism, all are subject to the same treatment. 

  I have witnessed a big change in public perception of those in the service over the last fifty years. I have seen it swing from one extreme to another. I never personally experienced any hateful language or accusations but know some that did. My experience is unique to me, as it everyone's time in the service. I can't speak for others, only for myself. I joined because I wasn't going to college and the job market wasn't much where I grew up. So, that's what you did in 1971. Yes, it was a bit of an old fashioned idea even then, what you might call "traditional" to join the service for that reason. We weren't making demands back then that others pay for our wants, like going to college. In fact, the guidance counselors at school guided some to simply get a job, others to learning a trade, and saved the elite for college. Yes they were making judgements based on your academic performance and social status. Some of us are destined to be laborers or some will be leaders. That's how it works in the world.

  I have also witnessed a change in attitude from those that have served. My parents generation, those that served in WW2 and Korea rarely spoke of that. Those conversations were shared in the smoke filled halls of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Many of those vets had earned high decorations during their time, silver stars, purple hearts and the like, although you never knew that. Those medals and memories were packed away. Today a veteran of basic training is liable to be parading around proclaiming his heroism. It is something I find distasteful. Many veterans today make demands based on their service, feeling they should get everything and anything for free. They feel entitled, rather than honored. All veterans are deserving of honor and respect, not all veterans are entitled to everything. 

  Today I will go to the cemetery and place a flag upon a few graves. I have three that I do that for every memorial day and veterans day. Veterans day is for all veterans, an all inclusive thing. A day to say, thank you. I never know what to say when someone says that to me, I usually just mutter, you're welcome. I feel uncomfortable with that. I remember the thousands I served alongside and some of their stories. Few every said they were doing it for love of god and country. The reasons for serving are only known to that person serving. I was making a living, taking care of my family. It was my job. When I retired from that occupation I packed my uniform away and moved on. It's all just a memory now. No hero here, just another veteran among millions. Memories are usually a lot better than the actual event. That's especially true when the event spans a little over two decades. And yes, my time in the Navy was an event. I was told it would be an adventure! Well, it was.