Thanks and well wishes to all our vets. I’m sure we have quite a few among our usual posters.

That any man or woman who serves this country and is wounded in body, mind or spirit, and is reduced to relying upon charity and the kindness of strangers to live and be treated is a national disgrace. I’ve watched people suffer for no good reason after coming home. If we cannot afford that care, we should never send those people into harms way.

As a veteran, thank you. That said, I’m feeling sort of unworthy today as compared to several vets I know who are/were truly heroes, as I was more a REMF (to use an Army term) who didn’t see action, who didn’t even leave the US for duty. I didn’t serve on a ship or much of anything. I’m just feeling down about it today, that’s all.

re: #3 sffilk

But you were willing to. That puts you head and shoulders above a lot of people, especially those effen chickenhawks.

I have a similar problem. I’ve never served. But I realized years ago it was just as well. I would have ended up like Vincent D’Onofrio’s character in Full Metal Jacket.

To all those who did serve, you have my humblest thanks.

re: #4 Romantic Heretic

Thanks. I appreciate it. More than you know.

US Navy, 1979-84

This was my neighborhood high school. This is where I grew up. This is my reality. This is what shaped me. This is who I am. I have bettered myself immensely and have been very lucky. The kids from my neighborhood fought wars before they were sent off to another. I had friends who were shot, stabbed and killed. Then they were sent off to be shot, stabbed and blown the fuck up. I wasn’t. Like I said, I’m lucky. Too many friends had Darvon for the pain and Thorazine for the brain. And flashbacks. I remember. And I will never forget. Edison in Fairhill Philadelphia.
Never. To all who gave, I thank you. You deserved better.

To all who served, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.