What You Probably Don't Understand About America's Veterans

Topic: Leadership

Let’s face it.  Most of the societal norms and customs in American society have gone downhill in epic fashion.  Perhaps a third of the country will wear masks until told to stop, many can’t figure out which bathroom people should use, and even more people think the ongoing political antics are not theatrical fabrication.  If I can think of one positive development that easily comes to mind, it is the public expression of gratitude for active military and veterans.

Keep in mind, I don’t feel that veterans are owed gratitude simply for sake of having worn the uniform, nor are they owed employment, special discounts, or other favors and perks just because of their veteran status.  Society learned the lessons of the 1960s, when the radical leftists of the day mocked and derided soldiers who served in Vietnam for being “baby killers,” “murderers,” and worse.  I heard of this firsthand from my Vietnam veteran father.  Now, it is almost as socially unacceptable to deride veterans as it is to practice open bigotry against any HR-protected class of people.

Despite this positive development, most American veterans did not raise their right hands to receive admiration.  They did so to answer a call to service of this country, many continuing a family legacy spanning many decades.  In my case, I felt the first call to serve at age 16 when I heard about the Twin Towers in second period history class as a junior.  I didn’t have the conviction to follow through on that until I enrolled in Ole Miss Army ROTC five years later.