Thank you for your service
Discussion
I’m in the US at the moment, and eating at a reasonably priced chain diner I noticed a large chap with a ‘Vietnam Veteran’ baseball cap on.
Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
Why do we do the complete opposite in the UK? Loads of people I know have served, both grandfathers were part of the ‘greatest generation’, but nobody feels the need to shout about it in any way.
Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
Why do we do the complete opposite in the UK? Loads of people I know have served, both grandfathers were part of the ‘greatest generation’, but nobody feels the need to shout about it in any way.
manracer said:
I'm also in the US at the moment and I've also observed similar interactions and thought exactly the same myself!
It’s a bit unnerving really. I think we just get on with things in a typically understated British fashion, but there’s a real desire here to be the most patriotic. I also saw a ‘NASCAR - stand for the anthem’ notice earlier in my trip.I went on exchange (not military) for a week and was stopped several times a day, usually whilst eating. It was a bit weird. I don't see what we were doing as service but hey ho. In the 13 years I spent in the UK the only "thanks" I got was on the last day when the boss walked in and shook my hand and said thanks now shut the door on your way out. Totally worth it.
I think attitudes to the military over here have changed over here as they have over there.
In the 70s the reaction to returning Vietnam veterans was not good; there was still the big hippy factor and peace movement going on, people still remembered WW2 and Korea and didn't want to be involved in more war. Over here, aside from the Falklands (which was relatively short), we had very little conflict to get involved in after Korea until we started piling into the arabs during the early 90s.
Since then being in the armed services has carried far more risk and I think this is pretty widely acknowledged by the general public.
In the 70s the reaction to returning Vietnam veterans was not good; there was still the big hippy factor and peace movement going on, people still remembered WW2 and Korea and didn't want to be involved in more war. Over here, aside from the Falklands (which was relatively short), we had very little conflict to get involved in after Korea until we started piling into the arabs during the early 90s.
Since then being in the armed services has carried far more risk and I think this is pretty widely acknowledged by the general public.
I'm being controversial here.
I DO respect what they do. I also respect that we need them I really do.
However to me are we really heros because our friends shot and killed more of someone else's friends then they did ours?
It's not the soldiers fault at all I just think one life lost over someone's pride is one life too many.
Not all war by the way!!!!!!!!
I know Hitler had to be stopped.
Shame that his brainwashed soldiers who were probably decent people growing up had to die though.
I'm probably totally naive though.
I DO respect what they do. I also respect that we need them I really do.
However to me are we really heros because our friends shot and killed more of someone else's friends then they did ours?
It's not the soldiers fault at all I just think one life lost over someone's pride is one life too many.
Not all war by the way!!!!!!!!
I know Hitler had to be stopped.
Shame that his brainwashed soldiers who were probably decent people growing up had to die though.
I'm probably totally naive though.
A few years ago Mrs CFK and I found ourselves in LA for July 4th.
I'd booked tickets for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl (Steve Martin and his bluegrass band, the LA Philharmonic and the Band of the USAF as it happens) and as part of the show's opening the LA Phil played a medley of military marches, during which Steve Martin invited the audience (some 30,000 strong) to "show their appreciation as each of our armed forces stand to acknowledge their service"
First the US Army....probably a couple of hundred stood to a bit of a cheer.
Next.....US Navy......slightly fewer but whey hey.
The US Air Force.....I'm guessing double figures got to their feet including the chap next to me.
Then came the US Marine Corp....smallest group but the biggest cheer so far.
Finally, and I never realised they regarded it as part of the military....The United States Coast Guard......
At which point, in the throng of thousands of people spread over the Hollywood hillside, spotlights sweeping the crowd to pick out those worthy of praise, a bit of sympathetic applause rippling through the crowd at first, and then one, solitary ex-USCG guy stands up to the biggest cheer of the night.
Yeah I know, cool story etc.
The military in the US is regarded entirely differently than it is here in the UK or Europe in general.
Part of me thinks that's good, another part of me sometimes feels a bit awkward that a supply clerk who once counted blankets for six months in a small temporary warehouse at Kabul, in the middle of an international airport defended by 10,000 NATO troops, with KFC and Starbucks on tap, air conditioned accomodation and all the internet he can handle is seen in the same light as career infanteers who've seen front line combat in every little conflict since 'nam.
As ex-military myself, the times I've been in the US and my time in the forces has become apparent, the discreet acknowledgement from hotel or airline staff for example is quite humbling (and the monetary discount is rather good ;-) ) but I think that's the key, discretion. Wearing a baseball cap declaring former service is a teeny bit "Look at me!"
I'd booked tickets for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl (Steve Martin and his bluegrass band, the LA Philharmonic and the Band of the USAF as it happens) and as part of the show's opening the LA Phil played a medley of military marches, during which Steve Martin invited the audience (some 30,000 strong) to "show their appreciation as each of our armed forces stand to acknowledge their service"
First the US Army....probably a couple of hundred stood to a bit of a cheer.
Next.....US Navy......slightly fewer but whey hey.
The US Air Force.....I'm guessing double figures got to their feet including the chap next to me.
Then came the US Marine Corp....smallest group but the biggest cheer so far.
Finally, and I never realised they regarded it as part of the military....The United States Coast Guard......
At which point, in the throng of thousands of people spread over the Hollywood hillside, spotlights sweeping the crowd to pick out those worthy of praise, a bit of sympathetic applause rippling through the crowd at first, and then one, solitary ex-USCG guy stands up to the biggest cheer of the night.
Yeah I know, cool story etc.
The military in the US is regarded entirely differently than it is here in the UK or Europe in general.
Part of me thinks that's good, another part of me sometimes feels a bit awkward that a supply clerk who once counted blankets for six months in a small temporary warehouse at Kabul, in the middle of an international airport defended by 10,000 NATO troops, with KFC and Starbucks on tap, air conditioned accomodation and all the internet he can handle is seen in the same light as career infanteers who've seen front line combat in every little conflict since 'nam.
As ex-military myself, the times I've been in the US and my time in the forces has become apparent, the discreet acknowledgement from hotel or airline staff for example is quite humbling (and the monetary discount is rather good ;-) ) but I think that's the key, discretion. Wearing a baseball cap declaring former service is a teeny bit "Look at me!"
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 30th September 11:23
AlasdairMc said:
I’m in the US at the moment, and eating at a reasonably priced chain diner I noticed a large chap with a ‘Vietnam Veteran’ baseball cap on.
Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
Why do we do the complete opposite in the UK? Loads of people I know have served, both grandfathers were part of the ‘greatest generation’, but nobody feels the need to shout about it in any way.
Perhaps he finds that people are nice to him when he goes out wearing his cap? Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
Why do we do the complete opposite in the UK? Loads of people I know have served, both grandfathers were part of the ‘greatest generation’, but nobody feels the need to shout about it in any way.
Crossflow Kid said:
As ex-military myself, the times I've been in the US and my time in the forces has become apparent, the discreet acknowledgement from hotel or airline staff for example is quite humbling (and the monetary discount is rather good ;-) )
How do they find out you were in the military (as you call it).AlasdairMc said:
I’m in the US at the moment, and eating at a reasonably priced chain diner I noticed a large chap with a ‘Vietnam Veteran’ baseball cap on.
Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
40 years since Vietnam, more since WW2. Would you question why a veteran of WW2 wears his medals proudly - no.Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
Sorry, if you have to ask why you probably will never understand.
The Mad Monk said:
Crossflow Kid said:
As ex-military myself, the times I've been in the US and my time in the forces has become apparent, the discreet acknowledgement from hotel or airline staff for example is quite humbling (and the monetary discount is rather good ;-) )
How do they find out you were in the military (as you call it).My motivation was purely financial and nothing to do with baseball caps stating which sqns I flew with.
Conscription stopped in this country in 1963. I am old enough that I used to be a conscript.
Since that date every member of the services has been a volunteer.
Since 1963:-
I don't consider that I owe a particular vote of thanks to a present or previous member of the services.
I don't consider that a present or previous member of the services should get any discount anywhere or any preferential service anywhere.
If you are considering a period of service in the armed forces, then think very carefully. Then think some more. It could well come back to bite you.
Military service is reasonably well paid nowadays, if you are going to serve then do it because you want to, not because you somehow think you are doing me a favour.
If you do sign on, you could well be injured. Think very carefully about the risk.
Since that date every member of the services has been a volunteer.
Since 1963:-
I don't consider that I owe a particular vote of thanks to a present or previous member of the services.
I don't consider that a present or previous member of the services should get any discount anywhere or any preferential service anywhere.
If you are considering a period of service in the armed forces, then think very carefully. Then think some more. It could well come back to bite you.
Military service is reasonably well paid nowadays, if you are going to serve then do it because you want to, not because you somehow think you are doing me a favour.
If you do sign on, you could well be injured. Think very carefully about the risk.
Blaster72 said:
AlasdairMc said:
I’m in the US at the moment, and eating at a reasonably priced chain diner I noticed a large chap with a ‘Vietnam Veteran’ baseball cap on.
Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
40 years since Vietnam, more since WW2. Would you question why a veteran of WW2 wears his medals proudly - no.Many people were approaching him and saying “thank you for your service”, so it got me wondering why he chose to wear such a cap at least 40 years since the end of hostilities. Is it likely he’s done nothing of note in the intervening years? Is there a confidence thing that requires him to seek approval or praise from others?
Sorry, if you have to ask why you probably will never understand.
My family have Royal Navy service running through it so I get and believe in the recognition service personnel should get but I think the Americans for me take the whole national pride / flag waving thing a bit far.
For me It's akin to a chap who has owned or owns a Ferrari and wears Ferrari clobber....
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