A tad bitter? Me? Hell yeah.
There is one service member I know who, when some civilian gives him the supercilious, "Thank you for your service", nods, says aloud, "Thank you." Under his breath he is saying, "Fuck You!"
Yes, I know, some people are sincere in their appreciation. Most are thinking, "Thank God I'm not you." If not, more than 1-2 % of the population would want to serve.
I graduated from high school in 1961. I never doubted I would serve. In my "community" it was expected. Vietnam heated up after I was out. By 1971, people, against the war, gleefully pissed on those who did go. I once hired a 173rd vet, for a minimum wage job, because he demanded it.
"Glenn," I said, "I'm embarrassed to hire someone with your qualifications for a minimum wage entry level driving job."
"Damn it", he replied, "I need a damn job. Any job!"
He did well with the company and replaced me in a few months. Ended up making a career with them.
There were far too many Glenns. I suspect today those leaving the service face hidden obstacles being hired. Let me make this plain. Those mealy mouthed chicken shits making the hiring decisions don't want people around them that remind them of their true nature; gutless wonders.
The people who have my sympathy are those who want to serve and can't.
November 11th might not be the best day for this rant. So be it.
I'm not going to be part of the hypocritical crowd with their phony one day of honoring veterans and the rest of the year pissing on them.
As always, your mileage may differ.
