If being shot at makes you a better person, then I would nominate cops for your consideration.
If putting your life on the line makes you a better person, may I suggest taking a look at firefighters.
If saving lives is what makes you a better person, please consider doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians.
If looking death in the face is what you respect, maybe you should consider pathologists, coroners and morticians.
All of whom, I might add, do it all day, every day, all their lives.
For pure self-sacrifice, maybe the people who work in mental institutions, or teach inner city children, or old folks homes. They never get Purple Hearts or special monuments or even - most of the time - gratitude.
My Uncle Harvey, who had at least two ships shot out from under him in WWII, but was in the Merchant Marine, never even got gratitude, much less medals.
None of these people qualify for the GI Bill nor VA loans, or even a discount at the PX.
Back during WWII, at least Roosevelt made an effort to recognize the sacrifices that everybody makes during wars. I have a blue star my great-grandmother hung in her window, even though Uncle Harvey was only in the Merchant Marine.
Maybe people would be more effusive about military service if there was some recognition that we're all in this together. Yes, we're lucky and grateful that you fight for us, but shitting on people who never saw combat doesn't make sense. It's an "us vs. them" mentality that's completely unnecessary, IMO. |
