I said this last year and it deserves repeating. We didn't fight for your freedom.

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59. I'm a veteran myself...

Last edited Mon May 26, 2014, 08:37 PM - Edit history (1)

Joined the army during the Carter administration - never saw combat.

I get nauseated by the folks my age who post their appreciation for veterans on Facebook. I sure as hell wasn't fighting for any freedom (other than the freedom afforded me because I'm a veteran - VA loan mostly), but these 'appreciators' could have joined. I did give up 4 years of my life wearing a uniform every day - camoflauged despite the fact that I worked in a carpenter shop. I had to stay away from home - where my friends and family lived. The sacrifice of those who post a "thank you veterans" thread on Facebook - are apparently making an equal (or in their minds, greater) sacrifice.

I feel like telling them "save it", but that might be considered rude, and I'm already rude enough. I believe we do this (warrior appreciation day) to keep the concept of 'hero warrior' high in our social order (at least in perception) so that we can continue to attract young people into the occupation of warrior. Personally, I would rather we showed our appreciation for scientists, artists or even beauracrats. Service is service - those who aspire to make it a better world are the ones we should appreciate.

I just had a shitty job in the army, I deserve no more appreciation for my service than anyone else who had a shitty job then or since. I do feel for those who have had their lives turned upside down, but I feel for them whether they served in the military or shoveling shit. It isn't really about sacrifice - it's about making a contribution.

We should appreciate everyone who is at least trying to make it a better world.