Has military worship in this country gone completely off the rails?

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:41:57 -0400

Do you feel awkward when you see/hear superficial patriotism?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:44 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:44:30 -0400

No, not at all. we need more

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:59 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:59:33 -0400

Why, yes I do. I joined the Marine Corps because I wanted to, not so everyone will say "Thanks". Granted "thanks" is better than "Fuck You".

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 9:59 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 09:59:40 -0400

Not sure I understand superficial patriotism, but we definitely need more patriotism in general. I suppose superficial is better than none.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made May 4 at 2016 10:24 AM

CPT Joseph K Murdock — Wed, 04 May 2016 10:24:24 -0400

I am inclined to be otherwise.

Response by PO3 Sandra Gomke made May 4 at 2016 12:30 PM

PO3 Sandra Gomke — Wed, 04 May 2016 12:30:36 -0400

In a time of peace, our country sees soldiers as folks in funny clothes performing mundane tasks on bases or ships. In war time, thanks to the technology of the internet and cable TV, the country sees the devastation, the blood, and our soldiers fighting against those who have proven they can come here and harm us on our soil. Whatever spin the media puts on it, young men and women are being wounded and have died. It is no longer a "mundane job". And we all see it. We, as a country, have learned to appreciate it. My Army son says that he finds it awkward when he is thanked for his service. He's just doing his job, serving his country. Like shaking his hand makes you a "member of the Club". I get that. From my now civilian POV, I see the folks who want to shake a celebrity's hand and the folks who know and understand the sacrifices made by service men and women to do what they do. These are the ones who have learned from our country's mistakes after Vietnam and want to make sure no veteran is treated that way again. People are a lot less ignorant than they were in the 60's and 70's. There is a sense of guilt in those who grew up during that war. However, trying to atone for the actions of others is difficult. Knowing the conflicted feelings in my son, I am hesitant to just walk up to some strange soldier in the airport and shake his hand. I will, however, smile and nod my head at him and hope he gets the message. But, if all this patriotism, superficial or otherwise, gets our veterans the help they need from the government and the public, even better!! So, when a stranger walks up to you and thanks you for your service, I believe you can assume that their intentions are sincere. As 1stSgt Jim S. said, "Thanks is better than FU".

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 4 at 2016 1:06 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:06:38 -0400

Yes it is a bit awkward. Do I really believe they are "Authentic" kinda hard to tell. I usually thank them for Picking up the Tab for me to see the world for 21 years.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 1:14 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 13:14:59 -0400

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member I had bad experiences with civilians when I came back from Vietnam and after. With that said, I would rather have someone say thank you than ask me "How many babies did you kill," or "You need to repent for your sins." It does make me feel awkward, but most of these folks mean well and I do not think it is superficial patriotism. The more civilians that appreciate the sacrifices that we make, the better.

Response by 1stLt Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 2:05 PM

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 14:05:29 -0400

Follow up question-Where is the line between nationalism and patriotism?

Response by SFC Pete Kain made May 4 at 2016 2:45 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Wed, 04 May 2016 14:45:39 -0400

It's better than being spit on, say thank you and drive on.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made May 4 at 2016 3:23 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Wed, 04 May 2016 15:23:51 -0400

1stLt Private RallyPoint Member Yes,i could never stand phonies in any form.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 4 at 2016 4:41 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 May 2016 16:41:04 -0400

Being capable of discerning whether military worship is synonymous with pride in the women and men who place themselves in harms way, seems to have been a comparison you have made rather easily. I worship my Maker, and HIGHLY respect those who have developed pride in their service to something larger than self. Years ago, I remember my father telling me, " Never look a "gift horse" in the mouth" and today I revere the answer. Have you ever been able to answer that admonishment?

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made May 4 at 2016 5:42 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 04 May 2016 17:42:41 -0400

Everywhere I go I see civilians do nice things for service members, some appear awkward as they may otherwise be introverts, but I take them as genuine. There was an era when returning service members were spat upon, better a little false bravado then the aforementioned.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made May 4 at 2016 10:04 PM

SFC Joseph Weber — Wed, 04 May 2016 22:04:31 -0400

I'd say disingenuous patriotism.