Salute

Recently I’ve started rendering a hand salute during the National Anthem. Seems to make folks around me uncomfortable. That is exactly my intent.

All veterans are authorized to do so.

http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1609

Being a veteran isn’t what defines me. Served three years (Army Engineer) from 1963-1966, mainly in Germany. No combat. So, no big deal. Pay American Legion dues but that’s about it. Have the greatest respect for those who made it a career. I wasn’t career material; hot temper, no patience, and little restraint. Still, I got out as an E-5. Lucky I was an Engineer.

Nowdays, less than 1% serve. Percent who have served is about 9%. Per the census bureau, there are around 23.5 million vets out of a population of about 303 million in the USA. That number will be dropping drastically in the years ahead.

Lots of folks have taken a free ride. I feel obliged to remind them when I can.

My youngest son is an Army 68W “Health Care Specialist”. i.e. Medic. I’m in awe of what the Army is today. I used to complain about lugging two duffel bags. He carries that much weight with his combat load.  From what I see and hear, far less “slack’ and much higher standards than anything I experienced.  He is also  in much better physical shape than I ever was. Some things don't change. I drove a truck manufactured in 1944. His ambulance is a M113.

Plan to continue the hand salute business. To me, it is almost a political statement. Or, my sister might say, my usual poking people with a stick.