My Dad was a US Marine in Vietnam and my grandfather served in the 100th Infantry Division during World War II. Much to the chagrin of my mother I was interested in military service growing up. I thought the uniforms and equipment were cool and I like to camp, right? I had no idea about the mental and physical costs to paid serving in the military. It is nothing like the Hollywood version of war (Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, and Band of Brothers excepted). I tip my hat to all those who serve or have served in the military.
Here is the Marine Corp Band playing “Stars and Stripes Forever”
Marine Corp Band – “Stars and Stripes Forever”
Of course with my politics I do need to say something on behalf of the people who actually fight our wars. They get sent to hell hole after hell hole, many times by people who never served a day in the actual forces that get sent to fight the wars.
The song “Fortunate Son” by Creedence Clearwater Revival is for those people. I think wars would be much less likely if everyone was eligible to go and not just those who couldn’t pay their way out.