Pride in Country

[Polishrifleman]

I couldn't log onto APS but Preacherman's post on the Gettysburg vandals struck a cord that has been slowly tuned up espesially during my perception of a lack of patriotism during the winter olympics that I had to post.

Oh how have so many forgotten what has put them in the position to allow them to flourish.

Fortunately I have had the chance to walk through and around many historical places dedicated to our country and its citizens, from the Eisenhower room at Culzean Castle, to Pearl Harbor and many points between and tear up with pride, respect, and honor everytime.

Why don't people understand these men, women and children, paid the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country. How do we repay them and our country, we vandalize monuments, we infight, we are not united.

As a parent of young boys 5, 3, how does one pass on the heritage and respect of those who have gone before so that not only are they are not forgotten but the ideal of what they fought for is not forgotten.

Sorry for the rant but I am pissed......

 

[JesseJames]

I'm not exactly sure but I think the socialistic tendencies of collegiate academia has to take a little blame for things.
To them, everything "American" has been obtained through dishonest and scurrilous means. Granted, historically there is a lot of truth to this viewpoint.
One can offer the counter-argument that as a democracy, America is and will ever be a work-in-progress. Progress for the better hopefully.
When one takes the oath to join the military, you are taking the oath to defend THE CONSTITUTION. Not any class of men. Because that document has been made up by finer minds than mine, and hopefully my little part will ensure that finer minds in the future will carry on its legacy as the foundation of our government.
Peace and prosperity can breed complacency. That's just human nature. But I take heart that when the chips are down, Americas brave and true will step forward and carry on the torch for freedom. I watch the McNeil/Lehrer news hour on PBS and see the roll of new deaths in Iraq at the end of the program and I am still in awe at how young a lot of these soldiers are who made the ultimate sacrifice. Most are barely out of high school. As was I when I signed up for what I considered the "big adventure".
I've thought that if I have a son I would let him find his own way. If he chooses not to join the military, fine.
Now, I've been having second thoughts. I remember how much of a whippersnapper I was when I was younger and the Army straightened me out fairly well.
It would please me greatly if he did join the Army or Marines, and especially Infantry - officer hopefully. I'd be very proud. In my view, there is no better way to appreciate what this country is all about and what it has to offer. And it gave me the perspective of how really unappreciative and ridiculous the academia-types really are.

 

[Leatherneck]

Why don't people understand these men, women and children, paid the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country.

Because they're lowlife dirtbags.

How do we repay them and our country

We pass their values on to the succeeding generations.

As a parent of young boys 5, 3, how does one pass on the heritage and respect of those who have gone before so that not only are they are not forgotten but the ideal of what they fought for is not forgotten.

By talking to them honestly about how you feel and what you value. That will stick. And I'll bet your kids will turn out just fine, if I may say so.

TC

edit to add: temporary address to APS: http://d2302.tt32.wellbuiltnetworks.net/viewforum.php?id=1

 

[Turkey Creek]

Oleg Wrote

The enthusiastic recruites who joined up for the Great War in 1914 may have been patriots, but their sacrifices were a waste of their own lives and of the lives of those they killed.

The above was in this thread and then removed, but because it was there I cannot let it slide-

I take this as a personal affront- My Grandfather served in The Great War- My father was a Naval Aviator in the Pacific in WW2- My Uncle served in Korea- All were the finest men you could find- The only "waste" I see here are your words- You have the opportunity to speak any drivel you may choose because of such men- I am a Veteran as well and though I agree with your right to speak what you choose, I have the equal right to say that you owe such men as my Grandfather, Father, and Uncle a huge apology- But I won't hold my breath

 

[Leatherneck]

Turkey Creek: though the offending post is now gone, I doubt very much that Oleg intended any disrespect. I think perhaps saying something like: "Ultimately, their sacrifice didn't accomplish what they hoped it might." Just my $.02.

TC

 

[Derek Zeanah]

you owe such men as my Grandfather, Father, and Uncle a huge apology

Hrmmm.

It looks like 15 million people died in the Great War, and my spotty recollection wants to say that millions of these were spent in the wasteful pursuit of trying to take contested "no-man's land." Millions lost for no gain, because the leadership at the time didn't understand how warfare had changed.

Oleg seems to think those who volunteered and died in this way were betrayed -- they lost their lives for nothing, at great cost to their friends and family. He suggested that friends and family deserve a higher loyalty than a nation-state, because nation-states do this sort of thing without hesitation, regret, or apology.

And your gran'pa needs an apology because of what? Because you disagree with his assessment?

 

[JesseJames]

I think now more than ever we need a President along the lines of a Teddy Roosevelt.
Both political parties don't have anyone that can come close to him.
What do we have instead? We had Bubba who loves fast food and loose women. There is a reason political analysts label him "an appeaser".
And we got Dubya who can't pronounce the word nuclear correctly to save his life. Also, how does his worldview really work??? He's a classic case of how frighteningly far connections and nepotism will get you despite an average intelligence.

 

[Turkey Creek]

Jesse- I agree- I'd take another Teddy or Harry Truman any day- Unfortunately we will never see their like in the oval office again, much the pitty

And Derek?, nahh, never mind, not worth the time-

Leatherneck- Thanks for your kind post- I would have accepted your alternate wording without disagreement- Oleg's choice of words were not the best and hit a raw nerve