Comments on Those Who Served

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Re: BC

The requirements were different then, at least for Annapolis, from what my father said. He was told they felt he wouldn't be able to stand for long periods of time. Anyway, that was my dad's story, and he was stickin' by it. Sorry for you dad. War is horrible. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 15, 2017 at 11:41 AM | link to this | reply

My father served in Vietnam... but interestingly, he had flat feet too but they took him anyways.  Unlike WWII (where my grandfather served), everyone tried to avoid this war but my father didn't attempt to dodge it.  Ironically it was the cause of his death years later.  

posted by -blackcat on November 15, 2017 at 4:51 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Re: Re: Kabu

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 13, 2017 at 7:08 PM | link to this | reply

Re: Re: Kabu

they served but not one of the glamor boys and of course their lives weren't in the same danger, well Dad's wasn't but those years were still difficult.

posted by Kabu on November 13, 2017 at 2:46 PM | link to this | reply

Re: There is a big difference.....

Hi, GM! Perhaps I wasn't clear. I, in no way, wish to diminish the sacrifices of those who served in the military, nor do I wish to diminish the efforts of those who served, at the request of their country(countries), in other areas. I can only address the case of my own father. Some things are not meant to be. Here's a backstory for y'all.

My dad wanted to serve in the military, very much so. He had an appointment to the Naval Academy at Annapolis, and wanted to have a career in the military. However, because of the way he was born, he flunked the physical. (He had flat feet!) So he pursued his academic studies, and our government personally asked him to serve this country in another way. He honored the request and contributed much to the war effort. That's all I will say.

I am thankful for the farmers, the shipbuilders, the women who worked in factories making tanks and guns, and all who did their part in ending the terror of the Great War, as I am thankful for your service personally. We cannot assume to measure the depth of bravery of someone, nor should we judge it, for we do not know all of each person's story. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 13, 2017 at 11:05 AM | link to this | reply

Re: BC-A

Thank you to them. It must have been a terrible experience for them. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 13, 2017 at 11:00 AM | link to this | reply

For myself, two uncles served in memorable battles in World War II love.

posted by BC-A on November 13, 2017 at 8:59 AM | link to this | reply

There is a big difference.....

While all service to country is honorable, there is a big difference between those who served in the military overseas,  and those who served in other tasks at home.  Can you guess what that is?

Those of us who serve in the military overseas willingly put our own lives in danger,  to protect those who are serving their country (or not) back home.  We risk death, dismemberment, or disability from bullets and bombs.  We run towards danger,  not away from it.  We stop the major evil predators before they get to our homeland.  That is why military veterans receive more benefits than farmers back home,  and this is as it should be.  Farmers deserve the same benefits? 

No.....  try growing your crops while you are being shot at,  or while your fields are being bombed into craters,  or while your farmhouse is being burned to the ground by the enemy,  who you did nothing to stop from invading your country.  We risk our lives to keep you safe,  to grow your crops in relative peace.  Land of the Free,  BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE.  

posted by GoldenMean on November 13, 2017 at 2:22 AM | link to this | reply

Re: Kabu

Yes, I recall that when I had mentioned this about my dad in a poem before. The think that bothered my dad the most was that he didn't get, what they call here, the GI Bill. They government helped GI buy a home after the war. And he was absolutely correct in his feelings. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 12, 2017 at 11:49 PM | link to this | reply

Re: FSI

They most certainly did need ship builders. How interesting! I hadn't thought of that. Thank you. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 12, 2017 at 11:47 PM | link to this | reply

Re: Pat_B

Oh, so true, Pat. It's a saying that's a lot deeper than it sounds on the surface. And I completely forgot to mention my mother. She, along with so many women who didn't get recognized very much, also worked for a time in a civilian capacity during the war. 

posted by Sea_Gypsy on November 12, 2017 at 11:46 PM | link to this | reply

My Dad was a farmer and was needed to grow grain to send to England to feed the troops. Dad always hated Anzac day in Australia which is the big remembrance day. he said that he felt so left out.

posted by Kabu on November 12, 2017 at 10:23 AM | link to this | reply

My paternal grandfather did not service in World War II. He was a ship builder, and they needed some men for that.

posted by FormerStudentIntern on November 12, 2017 at 8:08 AM | link to this | reply

Yes I remember, it must have been awful to feel that someone you loved was not the person you thought him to be. Of course there were other duties that were not recogised.I remember a man who had the painful duty to eliminate his own countrymenwho would have knowledge advantagious to the enemy, that is it the enemy were to be victories. Your Dad was probably braver than most having nothing to show.  

   

posted by C_C_T on November 12, 2017 at 6:54 AM | link to this | reply

They also serve who stand and wait.

(the ones who keep the home fires burning) This is a saying I remember from the WWII era. 

posted by Pat_B on November 12, 2017 at 4:50 AM | link to this | reply