I don't think it's healthy or good that we lionize those who serve in the military

[zipplewrath]

28. Always been so

The truth is that the military, and the service in the military, has always held a special place in the American political tradition. Washington wore a uniform, and rode a white horse, while president. When traveling, he'd often ride in a carriage, and then get out at the outskirts of town, put on his military coat, and ride into town. Lewis and Clark were given military commissions as part of their work. All manner of presidents were in the military at some point and used that as part of their campaigns. Clinton was the first president since before FDR that never served in the Military. (A bit deceiving I'll admit since WWII had practically a whole generation in the military).

This current "thank you for your service" thing is a post Vietnam thing. But it is true, that after WWII, my father was one of the last out of the army (he'd always been state side). He spent many months still in uniform. The bus drivers wouldn't let him pay his fare. The diners comped him slices of pie. He'd get free beers in bars. He tried to talk them out of it because of the state side thing but they'd have none of it.