© 2000
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Grunge said:
( November 13th, 2022 @ 5:30 pm )
A beautiful tribute. It reaches anyone who ever knew, thought of, or was thankful for a soldier.
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I am willing to concede that I may be a bit too much of a purist on this issue, but I see so many people playing the system both on the VA and the Welfare support system that I just want to be consistent in my beliefs and actions. When one of the Happy Hour Vets asked me why I have not filed with the VA, I responded that I would lose my bitching rights regarding Food Stamp and Welfare cheats. It did not go over well with the crowd, but I see numerous examples of veterans who think they are OWED something for their service.
I may be in denial but I don't think I have any residual afflictions from my service other than a few bad memories. To try and game the system would be taking away space, time and money from those who truly are in need of help. As far as the free meal is concerned, I resist because the first step on the slippery slope of ENTITLEMENT begins with think you deserve payback for previous service. I was paid roughly $240 per month back in the day, and while I may agree it was a meager sum for the duty, it was a choice I made and was not presented as an annuity for life. I did take advantage of the VA educational benefits, so I may be throwing stones in a glass house, but so be it. That's how it is in BT's World. |
Wonderfully said B.T., but, if I were in your shoes, I would at least opt for the free meal.
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My views on Veteran's day have evolved a bit over the years. There was a time when it was a source of ridicule, then it became a source of pride. As I aged, I wore it like a sword in defiance of those who did not serve. Like all good wines, the view has mellowed over the years. Today I use it as a historical memoir being written for my still too young grand kids.
For the last few years, I see the coupons and offers for a free meal for veterans (with proper identification of course). I have always deferred accepting the offer because nothing is free and to paraphrase Rooster Cogburn "I have lived ten lustrums since my certificate of completion." What started out as a duty, became an anchor, then an affliction, morphed into a trauma and finally made the transition into a PRIVILEGE. I don't need a free meal; I don't need any thanks; I don't want a pedestal to stand on. What I do wish, is that SOMEWHERE, that future Veteran will stay safe and return home to his loved ones like it has been my PRIVILEGE to do for the last 10 lustrums. (50 years for the non websters) That is reward enough! |
Great poem Bobby Tony. You really get the the heart of the truth of what so many of us only can barely fathom.
Thank-you for your commitment to that truth my fellow poet. |
Lafayette Escadrille Event - Veteran's Day, November 11, 2016 | Poetry: The Song of Life, Literature, The Arts | Announcing The Embers with Craig Woolard |
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