Thinking back to the time I served in the US Navy, it was the so called cold war era. I was just a fresh kid from high school not even yet a grad and only seventeen. Two older brothers were already serving and knowing I would be draft age soon I chose to leave school and see the world with my Uncle Sam.
For years after I was honorably discharged, I kept getting all these inviting brochures in the mail inviting me to join other Vets and become a member of the American Legion. That really seemed to be an honor I would be happy to accept; however I was rejected for the time frame I served was not warranted. I don't know if any other Cold War Vets feel as I do but it appears to me that my service was not appreciated just because I never came under fire. In order to be recognized for service rendered to the country you must serve in a combat zone. Oh sure I got a medal for "China Service," playing war games with the nationalist Chinese and we found and destroyed old mines around Korea which could have killed us, but my service upon discharge was forgotten.
Even the old wooden hull minesweepers that was home to many MSO sailors are only a memory now. I still love this great country, its military forces and all the citizens who is protected by men and women in uniform who may never see a battle but are ready when called.
Perhaps someday an organization such as the American Legion will honor those who serve regardless of whether time is during a conflict or not.
You are so right my friend. They so deserve that recognition :)
ReplyDeleteHey Grandpa.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm just a youngin' myself, but to be honest, not until recently did I even realize that people who served in the military during peacetime got recognized at Veterans. So every Veteran's Day I thought we were celebrating the men and women who fought during wartime and those who died. I didn't know you were considered a Veteran until I learned that.
I know the military is an unpopular subject in most arenas nowadays, but more should be done to educate people about the military altogether. Whenever recruiters came around my high school I felt like prey under vultures. It's too bad their speeches couldn't have been frank and honest discussions about the military and what it stood/stands for.
By the way, I finally got myself set up with an automatic notification for when you update your blog. :-)