Veterans Day

I was born in the 70's and grew up in the 80's. Like other children born during this period (Generation X) I lived under the shadow of the Vietnam War and the Draft. Our fathers, uncles, older male cousins were trying to rebuild a life in the US after surviving an unsuccessful war campaign. I remember the overall sentiment of these men was- "I didn't want to be called up"and "I just wanted to survive and come back home in one piece." Many were called and it was very hard to get out of it. Some of the more humorous stories were the failed attempts to fail medical exams and dodge the draft.

But whether enlisted or drafted they served. Some came back home in one piece, but many did not. Many families lost loved ones - in Asia and in America upon return. Of those that returned physically whole, the same was not necessarily true of their minds and hearts.

I also have a faint memory of Vietnam Vets not being treated very well. They always seemed to assert themselves and sometimes came off as disgruntled - like Rambo - and felt disrespected by Vets from previous wars. It confused me. How can anyone not respect these men (and women) who sacrificed themselves - many against their will to serve their country? Where was the love?

Be sure to reach out to all of the Veterans in your life today and tell them, Thank you.

Also check out History of Veterans Day at Electronic Village.