Why do people in the US celebrate veterans so much?

Question

Sure, many veterans back in the times of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War fought for American ideals and really wanted to protect their country. But, today, most soldiers are not out there for altruistic reasons or lofty goals. They are out there to earn money for college or because they couldn't find another job that paid as well. Why isn't this the same as the guy working for the government as a janitor, for example? The janitor is there to earn money and he is providing a vital service to the country, just the same as soldiers.

This is not meant to bash those men and women who choose the career path of a soldier. I think that they are vital to the operation of our country. I just don't understand why they are lavished with more praise than anyone else that provides a good service to the country.

Proud- I didn't mean to insult you. I'm not putting down your career path or your family's choices. You are the only person that I have encountered that joined the military for lofty goals. But, everyone that I have met in my lifetime joined the military as a last resort because they needed college money or they couldn't find a different job (this includes numerous people from my own family and close personal friends). I understand celebrating people like you who do it because you want the country to be better. But, I don't understand celebrating those people who joined as a last resort who just want to earn money/college tuition. These people are just doing it to benefit themselves, not the country- should this be celebrated?

I think that most people are missing the point of my question. It's probably my fault for miswording it (although, I think that some of you got emotional before you even finished reading the question). My question is why are those who join the military celebrated more than those other people who work for the government (yes, the government employs janitors and yes, they are EXTREMELY vital- do you think that Bush could do anything if he were wading through trash?)? Aren't they both doing a job? Don't both people know what they are signing up for when they take up that job? Don't both people have "bad" days? I just don't understand why people who have served in the military have so much more respect than the janitor (just as an example) who also serves an extremely important function for the country, just like a soldier. Aren't they both important jobs?

Answer 1

Because many Americans glamorize war. Sure, these people will say these veterans fought for 'us' and fought to keep us free but this is not true. Sure, in the Revolutionary War we granted statehood among the nations and I suppose you can make the argument Japan would have gone further than Hawaii and maybe Germany would have invaded us but recently, I fail to see how these soldiers have fought to maintain my freedom. I do believe janitors should have far more recognition. Nurses too but they get compensated well so it is not as urgent. Daycare workers should get more recognition than soldiers. They get paid less than soldiers and are pretty much invisible.

Answer 2

Where do I begin to answer this question I am the spouse of a military man and it is the people like you that make our lives harder. Y'all don't understand that what you think is just a job is a 24/7 commitment that goes 365 days a year. There are no sick days, if our spouses get called in they have to go they don't get a choice, they don't get to say we are going on vacation they have to ask for it and even then 2 days before we leave it can get canceled. The janitors and secretaries and others that you speak of they can call in they can quit if they feel like it our spouses can't they don't get the option. The better pay that you speak of does not exist, up until an E6 in the military which is way down the line is considered below the poverty level and we are told to go apply for WIC and food stamps if we can, we all live paycheck to paycheck why so our spouses can pay for your freedom with his blood and our tears. Us wives and in some cases husbands and even grandparents have to explain to the babies and 2,3,4 and 5 year old why their daddies, and mommies cannot be there for their birthday, first day of school, Christmas and many others. Some dads don't get to see their children come into this world they get to see them months down the road, I don't know about you but I don't see it all as the same thing even if they don't go to war they still give their lives, they still get deployed (yeah Iraq is not the only place in the world they have to go), they still have to work 12 hour shifts, they still get called in and the list goes on and on, and somehow I think the American people need to recognize the sacrifice they make. They did something most men and women do not have the guts to do they put their hand up in the air and said "I promise to defend..." they gave up their life for others to have theirs even if their motive was not a good one at first they did it, and until you earn the right to wear that uniform you will never understand.

In addition to what you added the difference between the janitor that you are talking about and the soldier is that the soldier is willing to DIE for his job, what is the worst that can happen to a janitor he comes home smelling bad? That is the big difference a soldier is willing to at any time give up everything and the fact that you don't get that shows how small minded of a person you are you don't understand anything bigger than yourself.

Answer 3

I understand your question so let me explain somethings to you. First of all you are generalizing from your own experience. My family too has a long tradition of fighting in every war since my ancestors came over. In fact my grandfather had to clean the gas chambers in Oshawitz, sorry if I mispelled. Including a nephew that is currently in Iraq. We have all done it as service to our country. Yes has benefited us to do so. We all learned the meaning of freedom, and liberty, and the principles this country was founded on. Most military men do do not get a chance to use their GI bill, and the money is taken out of it out of your check for the first year.
The janitor that you use as an example is paid much more money then the service man. An E-5 would be a civilian equevelant to a supervisor. If they have a wife and three kids and the wife does not work, they are eligible for foodstamps. That is how poor the pay is.
Since 9/11 everyone that has enlisted has enlisted knowing that they are going to war. They may never return home. Most people don't have to worry about the fact that driving home tonight they may be ambushed, or someone may have planted an explosive meant to kill them.
Most people in the field do not get a chance to shower on a daily and sometimes weekly basis, and most times have to wear the same shirt and pants for a week or more.
In my opinion our veterans are not given enough respect.

Answer 4

Regardless of the reason that people join the military, they still fight for their country and your rights. That is something that not everyone is willing, or able, to do.

I joined the Army 20 years ago just so that I could get out of my hometown. There were no jobs, and I couldn't afford college. I stayed because I enjoyed it. Does that mean that I joined for altruistic reasons or lofty goals? No, it means that I joined so that I could better myself. I GUESS you could say that it was a last choice, but I don't think so. I think the LAST choice would have been to stay where I was, sponge off the government and my parents, and been a bum/convict.

Your remark that they are "out there to earn money for college or because they cound't find another job that paid as well" shows that you have done no research into the amount of money a service member earns. We didn't join for the money, it's not there. Granted, some people get enlistment bonuses, but not everyone.

Final remarks: You state the you "don't understand why they are lavished with more praise than anyone else that provides a good service to the country." Allow me to explain. A janitor (your example) does not provide a service to his/her country. The service provided is for the company he/she works for. What service does a stock broker provide for his country? A banker? A car dealer? The only other group of people that contribute to their country is teachers. They are trying to teach our future leaders.

The service member is willing to lay his/her life down (that means die), for YOUR rights and freedoms. Your freedom of speech, right to bear arms, freedom of religion, etc, etc, has come at the hands and blood of veterans. The fact that you will continue to have these rights and freedoms is based on today's soldiers, sailor, airmen and marines that are willing to give THEIR lives for YOU.

Answer 5

Nobody serves this country with a better service! And who said we are treated lavishely? I know when I came back all I hear is how the government is wrong and to send the soldiers back. Or the o so great GI bill that still doesn't cover full tuition for college. Or the benifits that are only good if you live near a base, if ya don't, to bad! I think you should rethink questioning one day out of the year that people SHOULD remember those who would go farther than the average american.

Answer 6

So by your reasoning after the American revolution and the Civil war our veterans haven't deserved to be honored. guess you are forgetting WWII wont even mention WWI or korea or vietnam .........all the rest of them wasted their time or just were in it for their own selfish intersts...including grenada, kosovo, lebanan,the gulf war, afghanistan, iraq......So I guess they can come on home and no one need ever serve and your life will just go on just fine? You selfish little spoiled brat. You have no concept of what price has been paid for your freedom. You need to get off the computer and start doing some serious studying. You said "This is not meant to bash those men and women who choose the career path of a soldier. I think that they are vital to the operation of our country. I just don't understand why they are lavished with more praise than anyone else that provides a good service to the country." Let me just ask you when the last time was you volunteered yourself to any cause that caused you considerable discomfort, brutally hard work, extended time away from home, at a significant risk of life and limb? I don't know...I guess it takes a person of honor to recognoze honor in others. Maybe you just never will understand it.

allen3_99 your comment is so stupid it would not be worth comment were it not for the fact that it is such a blatant insult to American veterans living and dead who have sacrificed so much for you to have the freedom to voice your ingratitude. As I told you in my reply to your email, you are not worthy to lick a soldiers boots.

Answer 7

I have respect for people in the military Because they put there life on the line. But, if everbody is celebrating the The veterans so much then why Do these men and women's families have to go on welfare and WIC and other social programs to survive while there loved ones fight for freedom. Dosen't sound like we celebrate all veterens so much. Seems like we could do a better job before during and after the War for them. These people in the military are proud and brave many putting there lifes on the line and deserve respect they earned it. No matter what the cause or War is. So why do their families have to struggle so much why they are away serving there country. Don't you understand this is Your Home Team or Family your Bothers and Sisters in the world. You must support your troops or veterns the {HOME TEAM} . As for everbody that doesn't let the rest of us make up for it. GOD BLESS AMERICA

Answer 8

First...it is because people have been willing to risk their lives in the service that we are all here, and free..and typing in English. (those of us from US).
Second..there are many ways to pay for college..and plenty of jobs...joining the military is the hardest way to accomplish this.
Third...how many janitors do you know that risk their lives on a daily basis...and as for providing a vital service to the country???? A janitor??? maybe a vital service to the school..but that's where I draw the line. Not that a janitor isn't a noble profession...but there is a difference between a civilian job and a soldier.

Answer 9

It seems like that in these times we do. But flash back to the Vietnam war vets that returned home. This nation turned their backs to them. Blamed them for all the ills of that war. I was personally spat upon and called a baby killer when I walked through the airport going back home. There were no bands, parades, any kind of welcome back. Vets got F over big time by the American people.The difference between soldiers returning from combat and other important jobs ....you don't have someone trying to kill and wound you and be on the alert 24-7, 365. If any thing good came out of Vietnam, it is today people hate the war but not the warriors. I also think those baby boomers that slammed the Vietnam Vets, are trying to clear the consciouses by their actions now. I did not think at the time or did I ever think we should have been involved in Vietnam. But service to ones country was instilled by my parents and right so, I severed I did. For many many years I hid my service in Vietnam. In the last year or so I have people come up to me to say "thank you for your service." After 35 years I can say I'm nearly home!

Answer 10

I don't know where you get your information from but let me correct you. I am a military spouse and you speak about the money they are in it for? As new recruits their pay is less then if they worked at MCDonalds. Try having forty dollars every two weeks to feed a family of four. Lofty Goals....What on earth are those? I am dying to know where you are getting your information from.. My husband and I have been married thirteen years and of those years we have spent less then half together so he could protect/ serve his country. When my husband went to Iraq the first time (he is leaving again in 2 months for another year) my kids and I dealt with all the military haters waving horrible signs that I had to explain to my children that there daddy was protecting their rights to do these things. I tell you what. Join the military for the education money.... But go enlisted ....Get back to me in four years when you have a clue. Somewhere along the line you have been fed a load of BS.

Answer 11

The United States has an all volunteer military. This is highly unusual in the world. Also this is only a recent change for our military. (Recall Vietnam War era drafts). I'm not a history expert so I'll not try to throw out dates etc.
Although the janitor is twin in his purpose of earning a living as a normal soldier- he or she faces far less of a chance of being called on for duty to serve in a war for example.