for the veterans in this room...

[Steven]

Just a breif soapbox people.....

I dont know of there are any Vets in this group besides myself - but with Memorial Day coming up I hope that we can all take a moment to think about just a few things beyond our own socio-political values, and this includes me - a supporter of our troops, but no longer of this war....

-We all have a passionate voice - and we all have that voice - because of the Vetrans who have ensured it thru their sacrifices. Men and women bled and bleed for us everyday and will continue to die as AMericans for the American freedom that all of us are utilizing on this board everyday.

-Being a Veteran is a difficult and extremely lonely lifestyle. You have your orders - that's all you have, as you are part of the machine. But unless you've held a weapon in your hands and held down a perimeter when you havent slept in 3 days or showerd for 2 months - you have no clue what its like. It's bigger than any TV special you watch, any College Course you take, or any article you read. And the only way to truly grasp it - is to do it.

-Being a Veteran stays with you the rest of your life. There are pluses and minuses to this - but a civilain's ignorance of the price paid at the front line and as part of the grind is no longer available to you, and sometimes you wish it was. You come back home, and yo have to re-create yourself, and nobody taught you how.

-Most Vet's, like myself - go in as kids. What did/do you know about the real world at age 18? You've never been married, never owned a home, never raised kids, never struggled to make that promotion , never seen much of the world and all of it's contradictions outside of your town or state. Then they get in your head, a neccesary evil, and call you a soldier, and your a million miles away from home with no familair voice and somone is shooting at you and it aint like what you saw on TV. (meanwhile Dr. Jeep plays on and on....)

Remember this day folks, it's important. Thanks.

Steven

[Head Wreck]

a much needed soapbox moment.

never served in any millitary, (couldnt pass physicals over here) but a few of my friends have either lived in a war zone or served in bosnia or first gulf. but its not the soldiers fault that thier out there

[Lilith]

Politically i dont support alot of things but i support the men and women who choose to put us the people befor themselves. I thank them all.

lilith

[Fierce Critter]

My dad served as UDT in the Navy in WWII. So I think about these kinds of things a lot.

I personally don't understand how being anti-war is construed as being anti-soldier. I'm anti-war, but am deeply appreciative for the guys and gals out there doing this service for their country. Whether or not I believe in the cause they're fighting for is moot - they're out there doing this, and they are not to be faulted, but only commended for their sacrifice.

[Brenda Starrr]

My husband was a 2nd Ranger and military intelligence in the Army. He became disabled, and had to leave just before the Gulf War. I wish everyone could get along, but we all know better. I'm grateful for those who are and have fought for us, and always will be.

[TomCat]

Wars aren't fought for this country by the policy makers, they're fought by the ones who love us. Thank them every chance you get. I do.