November 11th, Veteran’s Day.

This is supposed to be a day of remembrance; A day to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Tonight, on the eve of this occasion, there is perhaps more than one soldier that tomorrow will earn the status of veteran the hard way. 

While a veteran of the Vietnam Era, I served my time from the relative comfort of being stationed in Alaska and finally at SAC HQ in Omaha.  I have been further blessed that both of my sons served without the need to face hostile fire. 

Entering the military by choice in 1970 was an oddity. A low draft lottery number was certainly a motivation.  I simply chose to be proactive in my experience.  Others had less of a choice than I, or perhaps no choice at all.  Many years later, as I sit behind the bully-pulpit provided by Old War Dogs, I constantly have to ask myself, “What right do you have to express an opinion that affects someone else’s life?”

I have no illusions regarding my service.  Like many who are in the military today, I had to balance the risk/reward equation.  There are many, far nobler than I, from my era and today.  I marvel at their attitude and dedication.  Even in light of this week’s elections, I feel the choice to serve now is driven by a far more obvious need than existed 35-40 years ago,

It is often said that, “old men declare wars, young men fight them.”  I guess with a head of gray hair and a face full of white whiskers, I know which side of that statement describes me.  With that admission acknowledged, let me say this:

With all of my heart, I wish I could take your watch.  I’d trade my life gladly to save one of yours.  I know these are hollow words spoken from the safety from my comfortable home.   But I had the unique experience of watching fresh recruits go to Nam while I was stationed in Alaska, and I had the most life altering experience of flying cross-continent in the back of a C-141 loaded with flag-draped coffins as those recruits returned.

Please know, that I will always think about you before my jingoist tendencies lead me to the absurd.  You are far too sophisticated and knowledgeable to be led down the primrose path by the likes of me. I hope you all become veterans the same way I did.  Survive your service.  We have quite enough to remember at this time.

Contributed by The Gray Dog on November 10, 2006 at 10:43 PM in Caring about our troops, Coming home, Current Affairs, The Gray Dog | Permalink

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