General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Amazing Photo: Hurricane does not deter guards at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier [View all]sarge43
(29,173 posts)because I'm a veteran. I don't. So, why is your message aimed at me? My experience is a great many who pound the drum turn out to be chicken hawks or wannabees. Most of us want only common courtesy.
And I don't care if anyone thanks me. Frankly, I served because I felt it was in my best interests to do so. As most people do most things -- enlightened self interest.
The ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown means a lot to most veterans. We know what those men go through to do the duty and we know what that monument means "But for the grace of God". Having it called among other things "militaristic", "nonsense", "stupid" is an insult to Old Guard and the men at rest there. Damn few veterans will let that stand.
Your father wasn't unique. Most veterans don't talk to civilians about their experiences. As one combat veteran said, "If you've been there, I don't have to explain. If you haven't, you can't understand." That goes for non-combat vets, too.