jungle

Once you get past the hollow media coverage and the Hollywood version of things it is difficult to understand the kind of sacrifice that goes on every day over there.

Sebastian Junger (Perfect Storm author) has written a volume about the current situation-not the politics, but what it is like to be on the pointy end of policy. He has also co-created a documentary film that was just picked up by National Geographic. Those of you who are interested may want to read his book.

Sebastian Junger's 'War,' reviewed by Philip Caputo


RESTREPO

DYNASTY HVY

Thanks Jungle ,another book for the old man to read

I find it curious why this thread rated 2 stars when it concerns those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.


Ally

DashDriverYV

DYNASTY, You're not the only one who's sentimental. I'm only 27 and am worried about this country loosing touch with the things that actually matter. You do not stand alone when it comes to honoring our brave.

DYNASTY HVY

The story speaks for itself.
APNewsBreak: Civilian slain at Ft Hood gets medal - National Wire - fresnobee.com



Fred

CaptainCarl

Available on Netflix via Watch Instantly (or you can have the DVD snail mailed).

DeadHead

It's a sad state in our world when those who contribute the least in our society make, make the most, and those who sacrifice the most, end up with the least.

Cubdriver

I did not serve in the military and thought nothing of it until l was in my 30s when I realized what a great country this is. When you take a look around the world and see how much better we have it in the US than 90+ percent of the people on earth, if you have any sense you come to the conclusion that our nation was built on blood and military sacrifice. If it weren't for that we wouldn't be here. I think the problem with kids today is the same as it was with me- it took a long time to get my head out of the sand to appreciate how good life is in America. Unfortunately this lack of collective consciousness is exacerbated by an exploitative media and a variety of overzealous industries. They has the effect of keeping young people from thinking about what really matters. They spend years thinking about media hype and materialism when they should be thinking about how the bill was paid for their basic freedoms.

Inbluskyz

Not quite... This happens more than you think:
YouTube - ‪Patriot Guard Escorts Fallen Soldier form Caddo MIlls, Texas‬‏
YouTube - ‪Texas Funeral - A special tribute to a fallen soldier‬‏
YouTube - ‪Fallen Marine Returns Home‬‏
YouTube - ‪Body Of Fallen Marine Returns To Kentucky‬‏
YouTube - ‪Welcoming Home a Hero - Fallen Marine LCpl Brandon Lara‬‏

A few months ago I was being dropped off at BWI and I noticed a SWA aircraft being ceremoniously doused by the ARFF. I assumed that it was someones last flight due to retirement. A huge cheering crowd surrounded my departure gate. My first thought was that it was for some celebs or maybe a local sports team returning triumphantly home. As I got closer and peered over the crowd I saw 60+ WWII vets slowly deplaning, some in wheelchairs others slowly making their way off the jetbridge on their own. As each one appeared from the jetbridge the cheering and clapping escaladed. As they made their way through crowd, the vets touched and shook outreaching hands. For me, personally, it was an unreported historical event that I'll never forget. It took a lot for me to hold back the tears. I ended up in the jumpseat with the same crew that brought the vets in. It was their idea to have the water cannons waiting in tribute to these vets.

It's very common to see passengers expressing their gratitude to the many soldiers that pass through ATL as well. Not all is lost here in America... there's hope...

DYNASTY HVY

I,ll follow this up with a quote told to me many years ago.
"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things.The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made so and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself." John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)
There are 2 flags flying in my neighborhood and one of them is mine and the other belongs to a WW2 vet in honor of Memorial Day ,how many are flying in your neighborhood ?


Fred

DYNASTY HVY

Good for the crew for giving such a great gesture .


Fred