Shopsmith Forums

Changing Times
·Changing words
·Changing sentiments
·Changing meanings

At one time the words “on behalf of a grateful nation” meant something.

They have eroded to “a grape full nation” – those drunk on wine, drugs and frivolity during Vietnam.

Today, its no longer grateful nation but “Grapefruit nation” – What does that mean? Nothing. Because we no longer have a grateful nation who appreciates what our service women and men did and continue to do. Stop any person on the street, in your neighborhood, at the local school (teacher or student) and ask ”What have veterans and current military personnel done for this country?” Or rephrase it, “What can you tell me that veterans who have fought in wars have done to help you?” That’s very personal and if they don’t know about personal they don’t know. They don’t know anything about personal beyond what happens at home, in the streets and in the classroom. So, they don’t know.

I will bet more than 90% of the time you will get a, “huh?” or blank stare, or someone who just walks off – looking back because you are some stupid jerk. Try it and see what happens. I did, and that’s what my prediction is based on – although I did not test 35 as is suggested by the minimum number to conduct a statistical survey. You try it and go for the 35. Your results will dismay you.

I suggest you report back here if you did and send the results to your local Congress representative.

Veteran’s Day has become a meaningless holiday where government workers, banks, and others give a holiday to their employees who never even recognize the day. I didn’t find one person accepting Poppy donations for Veterans in this entire city today. Many are banned from stores because they don’t want to “offend” someone. Who? Those who appreciate what our veterans did to preserve our freedom until we no longer cared?

As I sat in my car waiting for SWMBO to return, I watched a few individuals stroll up to the branch bank doors, pull the handle, then look around to see why it did not open. All came away from the door pouting.

Three of our youth got out of the car next to me and one of them did as described above. His comment to his two traveling buddies was "What the hell is it closed today for?"

We need more folks selling poppies to 'educate'.

I have not seen a 'poppie' in decades.

1100 today, where were Y'all?

OK, my place of employment had a sale today, JUST for Veterans. It was 50% off your first $50 spent. (For those of you in the Phoenix AZ area, it's American Discount Foods.) Yes, I took advantage of the discount. (I'm not leaving $25 on the table!) We were PACKED!! I could NOT keep the cart corral filled all day long.

After work, a good friend and I went to Golden Corral for a free dinner. THIS place was PACKED, too. Took us almost an hour to get inside Spent exactly bupkus! EVERYTHING was paid for, for the Veterans! (I did leave a GENEROUS tip for the wait staff, though.)

I'm sorry, but here, in Mesa Az, the Veteran IS being recognized! (Yes, I'm old enough to remember the "jane fonda" types SPITTING on returning Vietnam Vets. (Oh, if you can't tell, I'm not "fonda jane.") (Her name was not capitalized on purpose. Henry must be SO proud!)

steve (I never have capitalized my name.)

My wife and I ate at Applebee's yesterday. My meal was free. They have done this, in recognition, for at least a couple years now. I appreciate the gesture and show my appreciation by going back.

What hurts me, as a veteran, is the lack of respect often shown by the general public at places like ball games and parades when the flag is presented. We are less of a proud nation than we once were.

I don't know exactly how I feel about this. As a veteran, I am often thanked for my service to the country. Most notable has been at Ace Hardware and at a local restaurant.

However, when I was in uniform, Veterans Day was always something of an irritant. I often had to work that day as we had the public parading through the facilities on an Open House. They all had a Holiday while I worked.

Here in Canada, the Veteran Affairs department of the Government of Canada has a nice website well illustrated with historical facts on each wars that Canadian Veteran participated in.
http://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remembrance/iremember
Of course, you have to want to inform yourself. I am the curious type and every time that I meet a veteran, I ask him questions about his participation in those events.
PBS is also a good source of information. Documentaries on the different wars were very well done.
There is also the History Channel on Cable where you can see some documentaries on war.
Of course one has to want to inform himself. If all one do is texting all day on no subject, one cannot know all there is to know about the sacrifice our veterans did for us to be protected from crazy dictators .... and the such.

We are still fortunate here in the TX panhandle and eastern NM in that many people do understand what Veterans Day is. Men from the local VFW chapter were passing out poppies in the local grocery store this weekend. I accepted one and I gave a contribution. I was also happy to see many customers coming in, accepting a poppy, then making a contribution into the pickle jar on a table. Many people in the area have a subscription with one of the service organizations (?Rotary?) and have the Stars and Stripes flying in front of almost every house on the street. I don't have a subscription, but do post our flag in front as well.

My Dad was in the 5th Army Air Corps during WW-II as an aircraft mechanic for the P-39 and P-40 fighters. He was in Darwin during the bombing raids and later on in Port Moresby New Guinea. He never talked in detail about the things that went on, but he was also very proud of his service to our nation. I've also had the honor to know quite a large number of men from this area that were in the 200th/515th Coast Artillery of the National Guard that were survivors of the Bataan Death March.

All of this to say: Yes, I am happy to say veterans are still recognized in this part of the world. But, I also have to agree that our history is being lost on many people.

Once again, Thank You to all of the men and women that have served in the Armed Forces. We are able to do the things we do today only because of your service!

Bud

Olive Garden had free meals for veterans on Sunday and Monday., I went there and paid for my meal and thanked them for what they were doing for veterans. I watched and they were gracious to all veterans that came in. There were several other rests in the area that did the same thing, Subway, Applebees, Chilis and a few other I can't recall at this time.

There was what appeared to be a down and out veteran in there eating and they catered to him like he was a high roller. I really appreciated that.

Semper Fi

wrmnfzy wrote:Olive Garden had free meals for veterans on Sunday and Monday., I went there and paid for my meal and thanked them for what they were doing for veterans. I watched and they were gracious to all veterans that came in. There were several other rests in the area that did the same thing, Subway, Applebees, Chilis and a few other I can't recall at this time.

There was what appeared to be a down and out veteran in there eating and they catered to him like he was a high roller. I really appreciated that.

Semper Fi

I am sure it meant far more to him!

I'm sure it did, the server was very attentive to him and engaged him in conversation above and beyond is food ok do you need more or whatever. He appeared to actually be concerned about him. It was great to see.