Do you feel Veterans Day events are really understood by those who have never served?

LCpl Steve Wininger — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 14:46:09 -0500

I work for the campus newspaper at Indiana State University where I attend college. I recently wrote a preview article for upcoming events that are taking place on campus. Additionally, I have requested to be the reporter that covers those events.

In an interview I did with one of the organizers, she said that people should honor veterans everyday, not just a couple times a year.

This raised several questions for me. Do people who have never served, really understand the sacrifice active duty service members and veterans have made, this includes those who are in the reserve or National Guard component?

When someone says thank you or I appreciate your service, do they really understand or even know what they are thanking you for?

There have been discussions on here about how our government is trying to push patriotism out of the schools and public places. Do you feel that future generations may not be as appreciative of the sacrifices being made for them?

Feel free to add anything to this discussion. I have done some research papers in the past about how our own government does not even support the armed forces through executive actions and legislation.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2014 3:07 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 15:07:51 -0500

LCpl Steve Wininger, I do think that most Americans "get it" and appreciate the sacrifices of military members and their families. They won't completely understand the sacrifices because they haven't experienced them themselves, but I do think the support is genuine.

That support is probably enhanced by the news media reporting on the sacrifices, the stories about long deployments, short dwell times, etc. That's how most Americans get their information, so it's swell that the TV news presents a fair number of stories about our military.

Plus, top politicians frequently say thank you and make a point of talking up the contributions of our military. I think there's been a surge in patriotism since 9/11/2001. In our recent history there have been ups and downs on this issue. I think that post-9/11 has been an up period.

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made Nov 9 at 2014 3:49 PM

COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 15:49:22 -0500

Do people who have never served, really understand the sacrifice active duty service members and veterans have made?
- No. About 330 million Americans and less than 1% have ever served. A percentage may know of the sacrifice but an even smaller percentage understands the sacrifice.
- Your question shows that you yourself have a limited understanding in that you left out the National Guard and Reserve who have sacrificed just as much as the active component since 2001 to the present (not to mention prior to that).
- I have served for over 22 years and even my extended family and my wife's family have a limited understanding of my family's (wife/daughters) and my sacrifice.
- I don't think this was always true. The WWII generation either actually served themselves or had an immediate family member who served. This is not true today.

When someone says thank you or I appreciate your service, do they really understand or even know what they are thanking you for?
- Again no but saying thank you is at least a start point to begin understanding. Even this small step was not done for our Vietnam veterans.

Pushing patriotism out of schools and public places. Will future generations not be as appreciative?
- Absolutely yes and this can have potentially extreme negative consequences for our nation. We have only those freedoms that we are willing to fight for and defend. If people do not value the contributions of veterans then they will be less willing to volunteer themselves and thus less willing to fight for and defend their freedoms. Plus people need to understand that freedom is earned by every generation and is not necessarily a birthright.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Nov 9 at 2014 4:37 PM

Capt Richard I P. — Sun, 09 Nov 2014 16:37:41 -0500

LCpl Steve Wininger, I think COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM and CW5 Private RallyPoint Member have both made some fair points. I come down on the side that they don't understand us, and they can't. There is a growing divide, one that there are several other RP topics on. We don't fully understand them nor do they fully understand us. I suspect most of the time when they thank us for our service they do so to feel slightly better about themselves: "I thanked a vet today." I don't think they want to think about what we've endured, what we've purchased or at what price. I think sometimes we don't want to think about it either, maybe if we could we would be just as ignorant, mumble a simple "thank you" and never need to wrestle with whether it was worth this Sgt or that Private's life to buy a small peace of dirt in Afghanistan or Iraq that we have since abandoned. We would never have to confront whether our actions have increased or decreased freedom at home over the past 13 years. But we do. We must, we bear this burden of thoughtfulness, and we owe it to our fallen comrades to think on the price, and what was purchased. And whether it is worth it, and whether we can get it more cheaply, or whether we need to reconsider our what we ought to be buying.

Semper Fidelis, Happy MC Birthday and Happy Veterans day.

Response by LTC Patrick Hanly made Nov 11 at 2014 3:25 PM

LTC Patrick Hanly — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:25:55 -0500

I teach at the University of South Carolina and these young people understand. All of them have seen family, friends, fellow students and professors who have served our/their Great Country and they get it!

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Jan 17 at 2015 12:11 PM

SPC James Mcneil — Sat, 17 Jan 2015 12:11:52 -0500

I don't think so. And there's really nothing wrong with that. There are struggles other people face that I could never understand, and that's okay. I don't need to fully understand the struggles a person goes through to appreciate the strength for having made it through them. Likewise, civilians don't need to fully understand what a service member goes through to appreciate that we've done it.

Response by SPC John Decker made Nov 11 at 2016 9:05 PM

SPC John Decker — Fri, 11 Nov 2016 21:05:59 -0500

Government and Patriotism don't always go hand in hand. I served during the Cold War. I chose to serve to help protect my family and friends and fellow citizens. NOT to protect my government. It seems to me that everyone has their own idea of what patriotism means. When someone thanks me for my service, I take it at face value. I don't try to figure out if that person understands what it meant/means to have served. I'm just glad they recognize the service.

Response by SPC John Decker made Jul 11 at 2019 11:21 AM

SPC John Decker — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 11:21:47 -0400

I've already responded to this once. Things have happened since that allowed me to form additional responses. As I said, I served during the Cold War. The Soviet Union was our ideological enemy. It gave all Americans a reason to be patriotic. Between the fall of the Soviet Union and the powers that be, dividing us, and keeping us fighting each other, there is nothing to bring us together. We don't share a reason to be patriotic.

Response by Sgt Dan Catlin made Sep 27 at 2019 2:49 PM

Sgt Dan Catlin — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 14:49:51 -0400

How can they understand completely if they never served? I can't even understand the specifics of other branches or other MOS's and what all they do or their sacrifices. But the more we teach and the more these things are put before the public, the more they will understand. And in the end, it is enough they know our service was a sacrifice - regardless of branch or job, combat, deployment, or just holding down a post stateside. That they honor that service is, in my opinion more than enough.

And yes, they/we should honor all service personnel, past and present every day. But it is good to have a special day as well.

Response by SPC Charmaine Kelly made Oct 3 at 2019 12:51 AM

SPC Charmaine Kelly — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 00:51:22 -0400

Yes many don't understand

Response by LCDR Leonard Zuga made Feb 22 at 2020 8:27 AM

LCDR Leonard Zuga — Sat, 22 Feb 2020 08:27:00 -0500

No and no. Those who have not served nor are the spouses of those who have can not understand the sacrifices made by even non combatants by uprooting and moving entire households frequently. Changing schools mid year and deploying. Combat aside this is the common bond if of military service in addition to the special friends you now have scattered all over the country and the world.

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Mar 6 at 2020 4:32 PM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 16:32:20 -0500

No, I think most really don't know. 1st responders, be they law enforcement, fire or EMS, have some inklings, but not the full scope. Others think it's like the movies, I suspect; it's not. But those that at least recognize there has been sacrifice on their behalves and , none the less. How many just take that for granted or, worse, crap all over it in a variety of ways, without thought or care?

Response by SGM Omer Dalton made May 7 at 2020 9:55 PM

SGM Omer Dalton — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:55:09 -0400

To some it is just a holiday. To others it means something. That is just the way it is. Don’t sweat it.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 8 at 2020 10:35 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 08 May 2020 10:35:26 -0400

They don't know the intimate emotions of fighting for the buddies, fighting as a team, fighting to win, fighting for the nation, fighting because your mission is hold the position at all costs.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made May 8 at 2020 10:56 AM

Cpl Vic Burk — Fri, 08 May 2020 10:56:11 -0400

Unfortunately I think most people who have not served find Memorial Day and Veteran's Day as a day off of work more than what the real purpose is. As a teacher I try to explain to my students what the day really means and how they can celebrate and appreciate the veterans and those who gave up to and including their lives to keep our country safe. I have organized students to go to the local V.A. hospital to meet and talk to Veterans. Most come away with a better understanding of what these days are for. So no, most do not understand unless they are educated on the subject. I teach math (and I have had Veterans come in) but I think every history teacher should have a veteran come to their class and talk to their students about Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.

Response by SGT Herbert Bollum made May 8 at 2020 11:13 AM

SGT Herbert Bollum — Fri, 08 May 2020 11:13:07 -0400

I hope we can all remember words of our forefathers.

"Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it."

--Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, No. 4,1777

Response by CPO Don Campbell made May 8 at 2020 9:23 PM

CPO Don Campbell — Fri, 08 May 2020 21:23:02 -0400

No they don't really understand because if they did understand they would know I don't need to be thanked for my 24 years in the Navy...truth is when I joined the Navy in September 1977 I had just turned 21 and couldn't even put the cap back on the toothpaste when I brushed my teeth...in fact I had just graduated from high school the month prior in August 1977...I had to take double summer school classes in order to graduate...I was the poster child for LOSER...I owe the Navy a lot

Response by SSgt Carroll Straus made Jun 10 at 2020 12:39 PM

SSgt Carroll Straus — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 12:39:22 -0400

Heck no. Sacrifice is not, sadly, a particularly American value.

Response by PFC Michael Rehfeldt made Jul 20 at 2020 9:39 AM

PFC Michael Rehfeldt — Mon, 20 Jul 2020 09:39:59 -0400

I see now more then ever the massive amounts of American citizens who really have no idea of the concept of honor, or pride in country, they don't understand Veterans day or Memorial day , to most of them it's just a day off work. A long weekend without any thought towards the sacrifices freely given for their rights.

Response by PO2 Tony Divito made Jul 21 at 2020 12:03 AM

PO2 Tony Divito — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 00:03:43 -0400

November 11th originally commemorated the Armistice between the Allies and the Central Powers. The Ending the Great War (WW1). Over time, Armistice Day lost its significance in this country when it became the “catch all” Veterans Day. The significance of Veterans Day further diluted with the inclusion of Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day. Not much is being commemorated about WW1 in the USA anymore.

Commonwealth Nations (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc..) commemorates November 11th as Remembrance Day. Still connected with the memory of the Great War with somber ceremonies, red poppies and visits to cemeteries in the Western Front. In most Commonwealth Nations, memorials and cenotaphs are located in every city and town. Entire regiments were literally decimated almost wiping out an entire generation of local towns.

The Great War was such a tragic event that 275,000 British soldiers were lost in three months alone at the Battle of Passchendaele. Horrific numbers.

I think we should commemorate each war with its own date. Not only to remember the fallen, but to educate ourselves the significance of that war, and the tragic consequences....to never forget.

Response by SSG Cliff Richardson made Jul 28 at 2020 8:34 PM

SSG Cliff Richardson — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 20:34:42 -0400

NO, I say again NO! In the United States right now there are an estimated 85% of the adult population don't even know that we are still at war in Afghanistan, and Africa, and other places, Most american women this same veteran group who privatley polled thousands and found that most American civilian women not military related, are more concerned with the size and shape of Kim Kardashian's ass than exactley what goes on in the world around today, this is quoting a SFC from SOF command Afghanistan. Soldiers who have made multiple deployments, multiple engagements, feel let down by the so called support of the actual civilian population of the U.S., and as far as this worn out bullshit cliche of " Thank you for your service " most solldiers don't even want to hear it anymore, because the civ population does not mean it, it is the quick answer for the civ to do his/her duty and nothing more!

Response by Lt Col Leslie Bryant made Aug 21 at 2020 11:46 AM

Lt Col Leslie Bryant — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 11:46:00 -0400

Definitely not understood by the average American unless they have a family member serving in the military! I resent that it is just one more long weekend with barbecues and picnics! I actually had a fight with the President of Tulane University for not having Veteran’s Day off because it just wasn’t important. I told him to those who have served it is which resulted in putting together a small moment of remembering our fellow service members with doctors on military scholarships and myself; happy to say they even showed up in military uniform! I suggested however that taking a day off Mardi Gras would be even better; which caused a lot of consternation and head shaking! Imagine 2 days off and a weekend for Mardi Gras! What a waste of time!!

Response by CW5 Mark Smith made Sep 6 at 2020 11:57 PM

CW5 Mark Smith — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 23:57:18 -0400

Some do, most don't. For too many it's a long weekend with leisure activities planned. For a few it's a sad reminder of someone very dear to them who will never come home.

Response by SFC Adam Freels made Oct 29 at 2020 10:22 AM

SFC Adam Freels — Thu, 29 Oct 2020 10:22:18 -0400

I served from 1980-2010. With multiple deployments through out that time frame. The hardship of leaving your wife and children to care for themselves from 18 months to just few months is the hardest thing I remember. In the 80s to late 90s we didn’t even have all the communication technology that We have today. That came in the 2000s. I remember while stationed in Germany 1981-84 walking to Postamt (German post office) to make my monthly phone call home! Not being there for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and Graduation. To being there when your child was saying one to two words and crawling when you leave to return with them talking so fast and running to catch bus for preschool to watch a recording of them at graduation! Yes that’s the hardest thing of all the lost time with you immediate Family! So yes I think that anyone that served any time frame should be recognized for their service but we must not forget the wife and children who also bore and served those weeks months and years!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Nov 5 at 2020 6:00 AM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 05 Nov 2020 06:00:44 -0500

How could they not understand when the average vet never shuts up about it,taking every opportunity to remind them of their sacrifice and requesting their daily thanks and praise?

Response by SGT Doug Blanchard made Nov 16 at 2020 8:12 PM

SGT Doug Blanchard — Mon, 16 Nov 2020 20:12:36 -0500

I say both yes and no. I feel those that are family members of a person in uniform have a greater understanding of the sacrifices that a service member makes. As the family is also making sacrifices to support the service member.
No when it comes to the general public, unlesz they have a family member that has served or are serving. Especially when the so calked main stream news tries giving our military a black eye any time they get a chance, such as they used to do during Vietnam. With the wars that have dragged on for years and years in the middle east, they all seem to only want to find fault instead of supporting our military. This imo causes the general population to start looking down on those that are serving or have served. In as much as yhey are only shown one side of things and I have found it to usually be slanted
You never see them report the good the National Guard does during times of disaster, or the Maribe Reserve does every year with their Toys for Tots Christmas drive.
So the general public has no idea for the most part the sacrifice we that serve and have served have made or the sacrifice that our family has made so that we can serve.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 24 at 2021 9:24 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 21:24:01 -0500

There are people who serve who do not understand what those events are about. In June of 2000 I stood upon the Arizona Memorial in Hawaii and a 16 year old kid spit off the side in the water. A WWII Navy veteran ripped into the kid. A man in Uniform (won't say which service) thought the old gent over reacted and should have kept his mouth shut. The young serviceman felt it really wasn't that big of a deal. Not everyone shares the same values. That includes the uniformed, the un-uniformed, and the misinformed.

Response by PO2 Joseph Chantiny made Jan 27 at 2021 2:34 PM

PO2 Joseph Chantiny — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 14:34:24 -0500

No, I have been embarrassed by someone when thanking me for my service.
If feels like: "Do you want fries with that".
It is enough for me to follow in my family footsteps and serving with some of the best people I've ever met.
I think serving teaches integrity, and teamwork-both of which are badly needed today.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jan 27 at 2021 3:11 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 15:11:57 -0500

As no one can understand the sacrifices that military service members make, how many service members can know what it is like for many of our civilian counterparts? Until I became a first receiver and later a first responder, did I have any inclination what those on the front line of public service really do. Ever had a phone call telling you the patient you brought in the other day may have had leprocy? Drawn that first vile of blood from a confirmed HIV + patient? Or worked an ER during an infectious disease or natural disaster?
How many service members know what it is like to be a single parent and work 2 or 3 jobs to get by and ensure your kids do well in school, stay out of trouble. How many of us know what it is like teach a room full of third graders for a pay equivalent to an E-4 without BAH, Separate rations, and COLA. How many of you want to be the parent or spouse of Police Officer shot in the line of duty. It is one thing to go to another country on a deployment, it is another to have it happen in the town you live in. Too often we in the military think people don't understand what we go through, and yes it is hard, yet do we appreciate those on the other side of the fence?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 27 at 2021 8:08 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 27 Jan 2021 20:08:31 -0500

I believe most people don't understand the sacrifices we were prepared to make or made. We PCS frequently and uproot the family and our children suffer because they have to say good bye to their best friends and GFs or BFs. Many have lost buddies in battles. Some have jumped on grenades to protect their buddies. Sometimes a Soldier will volunteer to cover the retreat of other Soldiers. Medics will risk their lives for others. By definition if a soldier is wounded, it is a danger area for the medics.

It is impossible for some to understand what some military members go through. Some experiences are academic to me to me as well, but for those who were on the ground in certain places, it was hell. For the battle of Tarawa in a small stretch of the island, 1000 Marines died and 2100 were wounded. 4700 Japanese soldiers died. That is almost 8,000 casualties in a small patch of land. I read the accounts of that battle. There were body parts all over the place, dead people missing limbs, and charred bodies littered the ground. I don't think those Marines could forget such hell. How did the pilots and crewmen of 8th Army Air Force in Europe feel about reaching 20 bombing missions in order to return home considering we lost around 7,000 bombers in Europe?

The civilians have a concept of sacrifice. Perhaps greater than others if they lost family members in a war. I can't blame them for not understanding the depth of our sacrifices. I will take their acknowledgment of thanks with grace. I would rather hear a thank you than none at all. It is not their fault that they don't fully comprehend how our hearts, minds, bodies, and families can become broken. When they thank me, I only think of one thing. It was quite an honor to be given a chance to serve the country and to be entrusted with young men and women.

Response by CPT Gene King made Apr 22 at 2021 8:57 PM

CPT Gene King — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:57:33 -0400

Many people don't have a clue what the Vets. have done for their country. Just look at the spoiled rich assholes that kneel for the national anthem. They have the right but that doesn't make it right.

Response by PO2 Edward Blumberg made Aug 18 at 2021 11:17 PM

PO2 Edward Blumberg — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 23:17:20 -0400

My American Legion Post goes to schools to try to explain Veterans Day, Memorial Daynand the difference between the two. We also try to educate them on the back and story of 9/11. Which by the way is NOT thought in schools!