Do you feel like veterans are only appreciated when it's convenient?

Question

My close friends and my family are appreciative all the time, but it seems like the only time veterans are thanked is when there's a holiday to remind people. Most people only want to know if you killed someone and/or "what was it really like over there?" Are my fellow Americans really that selfish, forgettful, and uncaring? I know there are those individuals that are not like this, but the average American seems blissfully ignorant. Thank you, fellow veterans and thank you to all the people who DO support veterans every day, not just for an extended weekend in October.

Any last remarks? Add them today as I will putting this question to a vote tomorrow morning. There were too many great answers for me to choose. Come back sometime after 9:30 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, to vote. Thank you all for the fantastic responses and the support you've provided.

Answer 1

Yes I believe that is very true.

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Thank you everyone for your support. We need more noble people like yourself to assist our fellows soldiers where ever they might be.

US Army 15 years
OIF 2003
US Army Recruiter 3 years running in Texas

Answer 2

The real problem is how much we all take for granted. We live in a country that idolizes wealthy, petty, and more often than not corrupt people. The majority of us worship in million dollar sanctuaries, built to honor a so-called god. If they were really churches they'd let homeless people stay there. And the ones buying the CD's and I-pods, and other of the moment gadgetry are being led by the nose into seasons and the illusions that getting will make life better, so die with the most toys or be a loser.
There are more veterans who are homeless today than at any point in our country's history. They are masked as mentally disturbed, swept away to rot. I am one of them. I am able to use my son's computer to tell the world how I feel, but a silent majority are utterly removed from the care or concern of a country that NEEDS to know what the **** Britney Spears is doing. So we have 300 channels and digital this and HD that-but we don't have the one thing that would really unite us all-compassion that would move us. And because Britney doesn't either-like lemmings we are led to the cliff. All but a few who would let our actions speak, and not be so caught up in things you can't take with you when you go. Just find out where the soup kitchen is and do something-although that plasma TV you need sure is sweet too...The goal of every person's life on this planet should be one in the same-to want the best for everyone who deserves it. Our veterans have been screwed by this country. Raped by it. If only for one day though we are reminded that nobility has its sacrifices, and the reward defines you. What did you do to help someone other than yourself today?

Answer 3

It's actually a long weekend in November...but who's counting? LOL

What I think that people forget is that serving in the military during peace time can be just as hard as war time. I've done both....and with having a family it's hard no matter what.

And being "over there" is very hard. As a woman...it can be down right unforgiving. My rate (MOS for those who aren't Navy) was Gunner's Mate...and I get asked a lot of time whether or not I have any "confirmed kills" how insensitive. Whether I've killed anyone (or if anyone else has) is immaterial. It's not easy to take a life whether it be for the greater good...or because some man who is sleeping in his bed next to his wife...and hasn't seen combat in YEARS (or if ever) is telling us it's our DUTY...it's never easy.

Trying to juggle a husband, kid (s), parents & siblings is more than difficult. There isn't always e-mail...you have to wait WEEKS for mail...and sometimes longer if you've moved and the mail has to find you....not knowing what is going on at home....and sitting in a foreign country where your beliefs are being fought against...well it certainly puts things into perspective.

I don't regret my time for a minute. I regret actually not being able to serve longer (my child was dealthy ill and really needed me at home to make life or death decisions)....I still fly my flag....and NOT just because of 9/11....BUT because it MEANS something to me. So many men & women died to give us the rights that we crap on everyday. Abortion, freedom of speech, burning the flag, voting, democracy....we must NEVER FORGET that for everything that we do that doesn't get us thrown in jail...that's a freedom that an actual person fought and died for. We should all be grateful.

Answer 4

I think almost everyone appreciates the sacrifices that veterans have made for our country. even the people who are against the war in iraq seem to be motivated in large part out of concern for our men and women in the military. It's human nature to focus on a smaller number of issues and concerns with our active or concious minds on any given day, but if you stop someone on the street and ask the question in a neutral way that doesn't invite a particular response, I think you would see that there is genuine appreciation for veterans.

For instance, I think the american people are outraged at the shoddy treatment the current administration is giving the veterans who have been wounded or impaired by our wars. We also disapprove of the low pay for service people and the excessive deployment of national guard troops in far flung places.

So just because much of the nation is expressing serious concerns about the decisions and policies of the current president, do not think that means we do not appreciate the troops and veterans. in fact, I think it means we probably appreciate you a lot more than "the current occupant".

Answer 5

I totally agree. Those members of the "Petey Patriot Platoon" who are now waving the flag and extended thanks and praise to the members of the armed forces and its veterans are many of the same people who wouldn't have given the time of day to that group on September 10, 2001.
The acid test of that reality came after the attack on America. Lots of telethons and other fund raisers rose to the fore. Every newspaper and media outlet had lists of charities to contribute to. Trouble is that three were left off the list. Even though military members and veterans died at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Those three are Army Emergency Relief, Air Force Aid Society and Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society. While the Red Cross had its hand out, those three saw to the needs of the survivors and the wounded from the Pentagon. All without one drop of ink or the slightest mention on air by any of the media outlets.

Answer 6

I feel that many always appreciate you. Some may be reluctant to approach you and say thank you when they feel it in their heart. If we properly thank you eating out would be a problem for you.
I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you.
Many are blissfully ignorant as I am to a degree. There are people that do not understand or appreciate that war earns freedom. It is hard sometimes to accept that you have help defend the people who show the most disrespect. Keep your head up high and sail forward your wake will capsize them. On this question I hope all answers are positive and better than mine I will be back to see.

Answer 7

i'm somewhat surprised on the respondent implying that armed forces has some form of self sustaining will and backbone-making authority. Sounds very absurd - by using constitutional regulation, Joint Chiefs of artwork stress are assigned a in basic terms advisory place. the armed forces can propose on the technique and methods of conflict, yet in any different case they stick to the orders of Commander-in-chief. it truly is like suggesting a mutiny or a putsch of kinds. Congress has the effect, no longer the armed forces. As for undesirable comments, i think of this challenge applies around the board to the society, there is often going to be the version between people who've very constrained existence journey, spoilt with some large advantages of existence, fortuitously ignorant and so advantageous, and people who observed the different area of the coin. Lack or abundance of mind or money isn't the ingredient right here, it truly is in basic terms closed or open recommendations subject.

Answer 8

I would first and foremost like to thank you and all veterans across our great nation for preserving our freedom and values that we hold so dear. I completely agree with your comments about the majority of Americans and I too have found myself not doing my part, but recently we have adopted a solider and have been sending him care packages and exchanging correspondence and although that may not be a lot, it's a start and you have to start somewhere.

I think if everyone did something no matter how small,it would bring a greater awareness of the sacrifices soldiers make for their county on a daily basis.

Answer 9

Yes, I think people only bother to appreciate Veterans when a holiday comes about...or possibly a parade, although I have my doubts on that too.

I think its repulsive the way our Veterans AND current service people are treated. These people are the very people that have made it possible for us to speak our minds,go where we wish, shop where and when we wish and have given and insured that we KEEP this freedom so many take for granted.

I have and will continue to give up my seat on any plane, train or bus to a service person. I have and will continue to walk up to complete strangers and thank them...and hug them....its not a lot, but its the only way I know of to show them that I'm forever grateful to these Men and Women for the unselfish acts they have done to permit me to have the freedom I have today and will have tomorrow.

If You are breathing --- Thank God
If You can read this--- Thank a Teacher
and

Since you're on the computer and free to speak your mind here----Thank a Soldier!

Answer 10

KUDOS TO YOU!!! Yes I agree, there are so many that are out there that are homeless and that can't rise above the issues that they had to deal with and just give up when they came back they were rejected even though they fought for our country. Just like christmas people get a warm giving heart only during that time what about the rest of the year. SO FELLOW VETERANS I TAKE OFF MY HAT TO YOU AND TAKE A STAND AN SALUTE YOU THERE ARE PEOPLE OUT HERE THAT DO CARE AND THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR OUR COUNTRY!!!

Answer 11

I am a veteran also, and sometimes I have to admit I feel the same way. There are people who simply do not or choose not to understand. Reminds me of the quote (I forget who said this) --- "For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know".

Happy Veteran's Day.