[Giolinh]

Best post yet

[kathy1516]

Originally Posted by Choro&Swing

I for one wish that thousands of WWII vets had kept journals and written their memoirs. I’d love to be able to read them. I’ll bet their families would like to read them, too. I honor their service, but I think words speak louder than a cap. I want to KNOW what they did, even if it’s my Uncle Johnny who spent the war playing on a general’s baseball team on a base in India.

Forty-five years ago I wrote a 400 page journal while working in an African hospital saving lives. I’ve just published it so others can know what it was like. The process of typing and editing and pondering my decisions and actions have been a wonderful experience. I’m so glad I made the effort. Another thing I discovered when I reread my old journals is that I’ve been telling some stories wrong over the years. I was so sure I had it right, but sometimes I didn’t. And some things I’d forgotten came back as I read.

What you fail to understand is that many war veterans will not tell their story because they can’t. It’s too painful to talk about to anyone but they tell their story without words; hence, the ball caps. Your experiences were not the same. It’s great that you documented your experiences; however, many veterans suffer PTSD and even after 70 years it’s as fresh as it happened yesterday. I told this many times to media requests for interviews.
We need to respect their wishes and know that they have made a difference in our country. Thank a veteran for their service and leave it at that.

[alehew]

We have a sign in our window and it's not to change anyone's mind. I put it there so people buying a house that's for sale will know what our neighbors are. When we are golfing and I see Flags I know what party they are and we become very friendly.

[sloanst]

Do you support any sports teams?

[kathy1516]

Originally Posted by Mainiad

My Dad (w/similar Service in WW2) just nudged me from his resting spot when I read your post. He would never have displayed any evidence of his service, in spite of his wounds. He taught me that those who advertise their service probably have large egos’ and bad memories. Thank You for you service.

You don’t have to have a large ego to be proud of your service. I’m sorry your father doesn’t feel that way. Maybe his experiences are too painful. My husband won’t discuss his experiences, but is proud to have served in the greatest military in the world.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by alehew

We have a sign in our window and it's not to change anyone's mind. I put it there so people buying a house that's for sale will know what our neighbors are. When we are golfing and I see Flags I know what party they are and we become very friendly.

So you aren't friendly with people of "the other" party and/or don't want outsiders in "your neighborhood?"