Veterans

[chad e]

So I'm a conductor on commuter trains in and out of the Chicago area. As such I met many a proud vet who always love to shake hands and swap stories. I wear a marine corps logo on my work uniform and it always helps break the ice for them to share.

Recently I met a marine officer who was forced out due to medical issues. While sad, it happens. He is clearly a die hard jarhead. He moved on with his life and recently took a job at a law firm in Chicago. 1 week into the job he puts up a 2x3 marine corps flag on his desk hung upon a small wooden dowel for a pole. His HR department approached him yesterday and informed him he is required to remove the flag from display because someone in his office complained. The flag was "offensive" and promoted aggressive behavior.
I was at a loss for words. I've been a quick witted smart ass for as long as I can remember. I was so disgusted and ashamed of what our society has allowed to happen. How could a person's pride and dignity for their accomplishments be forced behind closed doors? I personally have never experienced this kind of behavior myself. Was just wondering in this new age of offending no one and suppressing your opinion for fear of being labeled and shunned as a hater or intolerant.
I actually feel disgusted. The ignorance of how the "offended" has the right to complain or voice their opinion is fought for and protected by the very people they choose to shame.
My apologies if this is the wrong venue, just had to put it somewhere. Long story short...
Even if you don't agree with the choices people make for their path in life be damn sure you don't dishonor the ones who allow you to choose your own path.

 

[joe black]

Fine words, Chad. Thank you for your service and keep noticing the veterans that you see on the street. I try to thank them every chance I get and they seem so honored. (As they should)

 

[gearjammer]

I second every word.

Some folks just have to go out of their way to be a pain in the butt.

I thank you for your service to this great nation.

If you ever run into that Marine again, please say thank you to him for me.

            Ed

 

[redrocker65200]

Kinda a nice story to be told.  My son, 14 at the time, was playing a baseball tournament in a small town that had a fairly large Veteran's facility on it.  The facility housed Vets from all different branches and ages. The Vets from the complex would come over to watch the kids play and swap stories.  Very interesting to listen to, and very insightful on what they had to deal with both during and after.  Long story short, I have coached many of these kids since they were 7 years old, so I felt that I could ask them to do something for me and they would comply.  Well, I pulled them all aside, away from parents and fans, and in a group advised them of what these fine folks did to allow the kids to be able to play free and live free.  I told the kids that out of respect, they should walk the stands, and any and all Vets they saw, they should walk up and shake their hands and thank them for their service to the country. I did not force them to do it, and told them there was no consequence involved if they did not, but I thought it would be a very classy thing to do.  Much to my delight, and a small bit of pride mixed in, each one of the kids walked the entire field, and the bbq area, and shook hands and thanked the Vets.   

I was very proud of these young men, and I still well up telling this story.  lol.  

D

 

[chad e]

Points to redrocker65200 for teaching them respect and the cost

 

[gearjammer]

Points to Chad and Redrocker for honoring 

our military men and women.

That's how to do it guys.

    Ed

 

[sarge1947]

"A veteran is someone who, at one point  in their life wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount up to and including their life"

We call that Honor. 

Honor is rare outside the Military active and veteran community. 

 

[bbqwillie]

A cry bully. Lovely. We had one at my workplace but his whining blew up in his face. He lodged a similar complaint against a Vet with HR and the section manager fired him. Told him his services were no longer needed at the company and then he had security escort him to his desk, pack him up and out the door. You should have seen the expression on his face as he was being escorted out.... priceless.