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I was wondering if there was always a military draft and all American citizens were obligated to serve in the military (except if they were physically disabled or something), would the American people still be thanking military veterans for their service so enthusiastically? I definitely appreciate anyone who has served in the military but I think people that enlist voluntarily are more selfless than ones who do it out of legal obligation.
I was wondering if there was always a military draft and all American citizens were obligated to serve in the military (except if they were physically disabled or something), would the American people still be thanking military veterans for their service so enthusiastically? I definitely appreciate anyone who has served in the military but I think people that enlist voluntarily are more selfless than ones who do it out of legal obligation.
In countries such as Finland where everyone is required to serve, the word "veteran" applies only to those who served during war time. Otherwise everyone would be a "veteran", and the word would have little meaning. In US there are people who were drafted and served in Vietnam, and they are certainly veterans of highest order, since they risked their lives for US. Other than that, in US it makes sense to call all servicemen veterans since they are all volunteers, and volunteering is a selfless act indeed.
I thought it was all that served were veterans, those that served during war were veterans of foreign war..VFW.
Whether one serves through draft or voluntary induction, make their honorable service any less worthy.
My 3 uncles[brothers] were drafted during WWII, one did not come home; They are not any less worthy than those that volunteered. My grandmother lost her son...all the same.
I thank every member that served, regardless of if they were conscripted or voluntarily.
You shouldn't thank a veteran for your freedom, for our country, or anything like that. They served their country. That's enough to thank them for.
I agree. The veterans are helping to keep that freedom but they didn't give it to the current citizens.
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Originally Posted by Chimuelojones
I thought it was all that served were veterans, those that served during war were veterans of foreign war..VFW.
Whether one serves through draft or voluntary induction, make their honorable service any less worthy.
My 3 uncles[brothers] were drafted during WWII, one did not come home; They are not any less worthy than those that volunteered. My grandmother lost her son...all the same.
My 3 great-uncles (brothers) served during WWII and one did not come home; and my great-grandmother lost her son as well.
I too agree that military service is honorable no matter how one entered the military.
In countries such as Finland where everyone is required to serve, the word "veteran" applies only to those who served during war time. Otherwise everyone would be a "veteran", and the word would have little meaning. In US there are people who were drafted and served in Vietnam, and they are certainly veterans of highest order, since they risked their lives for US. Other than that, in US it makes sense to call all servicemen veterans since they are all volunteers, and volunteering is a selfless act indeed.
The word "veteran" does all apply to all who served in the military of other countries. But I think only those who served during war time in a combat role are actually thanked and remembered by the general population.
Yes. I know. I mention Vietnam, because that is the most recent time.
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The word "veteran" does all apply to all who served in the military of other countries. But I think only those who served during war time in a combat role are actually thanked and remembered by the general population.
Sure, but in countries like Finland only war veterans are referred to as veterans, and the reason is the simple fact that everyone serves in the peacetime military, and it would make no sense to call everyone a veteran. The bolded part is pretty much what I was talking about (as far as those countries are concerned). In US everyone who served are veterans, and I think it is appropriate since they are volunteers and serve much longer times that the people in places like Finland, so even at peacetime it is a much bigger contribution.
Last edited by Finn_Jarber; 11-12-2013 at 06:09 AM..
I think that a lot of Veterans don't like to be thanked for their service. I know I am one of them...
My husband doesn't like all the over-the-top stuff and would rather just continue to quietly go about his business, he's just that kind of person, but he'd be the first to tell you better that than what happened during Vietnam. I also think this guy's sentiment isn't very common, but that of course doesn't mean he doesn't have company. Veterans, whether voluntary or not, have had a chunk of their lives where your protection was put before their well being. For some it came at tremendous cost, whether physical or emotional. We should be grateful.
I think that a lot of Veterans don't like to be thanked for their service. I know I am one of them...
Sheesh....the self hating veteran makes another appearance. No one forced you to enlist. The draft ended in 1973. I really loathe those that opt to enlist in any branch of service, and take full advantage of the benefits offered (tuition assistance while in, GI Bill once separated, VA loans, etc.), but then endlessly complain about the same. Don't get me wrong, you are fully entitled to any opinions you may have, but it is sort of like what people where I grew up said about the agriculture industry. If you want to complain about farmers, don't talk with your mouth full.
Most people would not know that you are a veteran, and subsequently would not thank you for service, if you didn't make that fact known. Aside from family and friends that know you've served, the only way others would know is if you told them, or made it apparent by displaying "I love me" stuff in the work place, etc. If you don't want to be thanked for your service, then don't make a big deal about having served. Period. Just that easy.
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