US Women's Soccer recieve Ticker Tape Parade before Iraq War Veterans; Is it an injustice toward our Military Veterans?

2015-07-10T13:09:43-04:00

With the solid win by the Women's US Soccer Team, NY has given the ladies a ticker Tape Parade. Not diminish the achievement of these ladies and the pride they've given this nation. But there has been little attempt made to hold a Ticker Tape parade for the Veterans of Iraq.

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 10 at 2015 1:11 PM

2015-07-10T13:11:20-04:00

Just curious, who makes the decision on who gets the ticker tape parade? Is it the governor or mayor or someone else?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 10 at 2015 1:12 PM

2015-07-10T13:12:56-04:00

Us as veterans expect that by now and don't necessarily take offense when we're not recognized. We're called silent professionals for a reason.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 10 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-07-10T13:13:41-04:00

No, it just means that the Major of NY doesn't find the end of the Iraq war parade worthy.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-07-10T13:16:27-04:00

Vets get thanked all the time. There is literally a federal holiday dedicated to us. Like it or not, there is more to this world than military service.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 10 at 2015 1:22 PM

2015-07-10T13:22:14-04:00

I don't know what ticker tape is. I don't watch sports unless its auto racing. I don't care if they won or lost honestly. I won't deny what they did wasn't awesome to when a world championship or every its called.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Jul 10 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-07-10T13:23:10-04:00

Although I am not a fan of liberal football (aka soccer), I do think it awesome that the USA Women's Team has won the World Cup (the first team to do it three times) and that they deserve the recognition. The only thing I found distasteful was the liberal media, never missing an opportunity to push their liberal agenda, saw fit, immediately following the win, to highlight one of the female soccer players kissing her "wife".

I believe the difference between this and our soldiers returning from Iraq is that the Iraq/Afghanistan wars have been going on for a long time (and still are) and there was never any clear-cut "victory" point. That, coupled with the fact that liberals in New York control all this and the military is not high on their radar screen.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-07-10T13:23:31-04:00

The only ticker tape parade I needed was the one where my wife and daughter met me at the airport.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-07-10T13:23:58-04:00

Does anyone posting here have any idea how much of an achievement the women's soccer team victory was? It was that many years ago not soccer was even on the average Americans radar. How many World Cup's has the U.S. participated in? How many won? There are more ways to show the world that we can be great than just war. Veterans and the military are not the only ones that represent our entire country to the world. Good job ladies!

Response by MSG Robert Baker made Jul 10 at 2015 1:24 PM

2015-07-10T13:24:44-04:00

OK. So how do you pick the 20 to 200 veterans in the parade? The weomans soccer team did a good job... Don't be hate'n.

Response by SFC Timothy Gallagher made Jul 10 at 2015 1:28 PM

2015-07-10T13:28:14-04:00

This isn't WWII. Unless a town decides to do that (like some do for national guard and reserves), you will never see that again. People thank us, but others would rather forget about us.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jul 10 at 2015 1:37 PM

2015-07-10T13:37:59-04:00

How do we know there was "little attempt" made? The city has a major parade for veterans every year.

America's Parade | Veteran's Day | New York City | November 11, 2014

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:40 PM

2015-07-10T13:40:49-04:00

Does it really matter that much? Should we always pull the veteran card for everything? We don't get paid as well at NFL stars. I didn't join for the pay. We don't get praise like the US Women's World Champion Soccer Team. I didn't join to get praise. I joined to serve and to make it able for them to do that. The public shouldn't question if they should or shouldn't celebrate due to the consideration of veterans. The local populace owes us nothing. It is great if they thank us and I deeply appreciate but we need to stop acting like we are entitled.

If anyone wants a ticker tape parade I will be more than gladly to empty the contents the shredder in my company's office on top of you while you march around.

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:45 PM

2015-07-10T13:45:24-04:00

"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!" I personally do believe that my service is too valuable to be quantified by some parade. I'm perfectly fine knowing that as a Counterintelligence Agent, I've neutralize a potential foreign intelligence service or terrorist threat against everything thing I hold dear. As a drill sergeant I'm perfectly fine knowing I'm preserving the U.S. Army's 200 year legacy. I find it very appalling how entitled we as an armed forces have become. Why should you be treated any differently for doing your job; something you volunteered for? No one was drafted, or forced to sign the dotted line. Just my 2 cents. Here comes the thumbs down in 3,2,1...LOL

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 1:46 PM

2015-07-10T13:46:06-04:00

No, it isn't, and the question comes off as entitled.

Response by SFC Joseph Bosley made Jul 10 at 2015 1:51 PM

2015-07-10T13:51:44-04:00

Honestly I didn't join the army to get a parade in NYC. I really don't look for recognition nor would I want to participate in a parade. Just make it so I don't wait on hold for 6 years with the VA looking to get seen by a Dr that's only going to give me Motrin for my amputated arm.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jul 10 at 2015 2:00 PM

2015-07-10T14:00:54-04:00

SPC Peter Maes, "Not diminish the achievement of these ladies and the pride they've given this nation" just by asking this question you are diminishing Women's US Soccer Team achievement and claiming an injustice makes us veterans look petty.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:01 PM

2015-07-10T14:01:45-04:00

I have been OIF & OEF. Don't give me a parade. Give the much needed parades to the Vietnam vets who never got one.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-07-10T14:02:17-04:00

Our job is a modest job. If we were paid wages of a professional athelete our ranks would be swarmed with people looking for money, not patriots. Humility pays a big role in the military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:03 PM

2015-07-10T14:03:00-04:00

Leave it be. We've been thanked enough.

Response by 1LT William Clardy made Jul 10 at 2015 2:04 PM

2015-07-10T14:04:13-04:00

I'm sorry, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, but it seems really petulant to insist that celebrating somebody else's good fortune is unfair because you (or the group you affiliate yourself with) didn't get an equal celebration.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 2:06 PM

2015-07-10T14:06:04-04:00

I see a lot of reactions from this question, and want to thank everyone for responding.
I have not been deployed, and my profound respect for all you that have. My question came not from a sense of entitlement, or hate over Soccer being preferred over this country's military. but as a promise our government has towards men and women who served. Working at the VA I see veterans everyday, and the few remaining WWII vets I see show that pride they had in serving but the younger generations of Vets carry themselves differently as if they what they did wasn't important enough. I'd like to see a focus shift where veterans are given the services they were promised and the respect deserved.
It's true we don't serve for the medals on our chest, the slashes on the sleeve of our uniforms, or the earned respect of civilians we come across day to day, but out of the sense of duty and our service is a small part of the greater whole. and payment for those before us that they picked up the load sat it down after their march, and we come along, tell them we got it and continue carrying it a ways forward.
I guess what I wanted to see if I was alone in thinking our Iraq vets deserve a parade in NYC where the city paused to acknowledge what they did for them.

Response by LTC David Stender made Jul 10 at 2015 2:28 PM

2015-07-10T14:28:38-04:00

Let the team have their moment in the sun; it's not about Iraqi veterans. I'm an Iraqi Veteran and proud of our U.S. Team Victory

Response by SFC William Swartz Jr made Jul 10 at 2015 4:19 PM

2015-07-10T16:19:51-04:00

Yeah it was rumored in late-May '03 that they were going to conduct a parade with us in the 3rd ID leading the way.....meh, I was fine with my wife picking my up at the airport in Savannah when I had to leave a couple weeks earlier than the unit on a Red Cross Message, best and only parade I needed.

Response by SSgt Charles Edwards made Jul 10 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-07-10T16:21:11-04:00

I didn't realize that the Veterans team won a World Cup!

All kidding aside, I am not too concerned with it. Veterans are typically greeted by volunteers upon returning home from deployment and in my opinion, that is thanks enough.

Response by SSgt Jeremy Eddy made Jul 10 at 2015 4:26 PM

2015-07-10T16:26:51-04:00

At the end of my first deployment, our plane was given a "fireman's salute" (spraying the plane as its taxiing with a truck hose), our buses were escorted from the airport to the Reserve center by police, and our families were waiting cheering us on as we got off the bus and walked into the drill center. At the end of my second deployment, our buses were escorted during the six hour drive from Pendleton to Oakland by a veteran biker gang and American flags were waved by civilians on nearly every overpass we went under on the highway. They were all unexpected displays of gratitude, and the only "thanks" I needed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 4:30 PM

2015-07-10T16:30:42-04:00

I don't need a parade. I came home, that's all I need

Response by SFC Daryle Howland made Jul 10 at 2015 4:44 PM

2015-07-10T16:44:35-04:00

As Soldiers and Veterans we don't do what we do or did for recognition. We do it for the love of our nation, families and Freedom. We need to stop getting butt hurt over the recognition others get. We get recognized enough. But remember why we do these things....because we volunteered. But I do thank all of us vets.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-07-10T17:13:59-04:00

My opinion, if you ask any military female out there if they rather or not have a parade, most of them really don't care.

Response by SSG Eric Eck made Jul 10 at 2015 7:34 PM

2015-07-10T19:34:13-04:00

Getting off the plane with my brothers and all our families watching and waiting was like a parade.

Response by Cpl Chris Rice made Jul 10 at 2015 8:25 PM

2015-07-10T20:25:30-04:00

Enough already, I swear the Statue of Liberty could give every veteran a blowjob and there would still be somebody who would say it was not enough. If you need a parade in New York go there on November 11th NYC will be having a parade for Veterans of OIF; sorry that it will be shared with OEF, Desert Storm, Cold War, Vietnam, Korean, and WWII vets, I know how those guys can be glory hounds. I get it when people complain about the VA, do not like the uniform the Army is wearing this week, or have trouble relating their experiences in the civilian job market, but we cannot get butt hurt over parades.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 12:58 AM

2015-07-11T00:58:08-04:00

Kind of tired of the "I'm a Veteran and I didn't get something some one else did." What happened to the quiet professional? Since when do we need anything to prove we matter or what we do counts. Oh and by saying "not to take anything away from" is like saying no disrespect, the next thing out of your mouth or written is always exactly that, disrespectful or in this case taking away. But that is just my opinion, if you want a ticker tape parade go ask.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 11 at 2015 1:08 AM

2015-07-11T01:08:16-04:00

No... No... No... I see no injustice. It was a big deal. I am happy for them, and they deserve it. Why would OIF need or want a ticker tape parade... And, what if we did have one... and you see what has happened in Iraq. I am proud of my service, and need no parade to make me feel better.

Response by SPC Jeffrey Bly made Jul 11 at 2015 9:55 AM

2015-07-11T09:55:55-04:00

We are not entitled to anything. Our payment enough should be in knowing that we voluntarily tried to help make a difference to keep and better what we have in this country. I am proud of my service and always will be. I thank America for allowing me the opportunity to do so.

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jul 11 at 2015 4:11 PM

2015-07-11T16:11:07-04:00

I am not going to down vote you SPC Private RallyPoint Member but IMO if you think you need a parade you are in the wrong profession.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2015 4:20 PM

2015-07-11T16:20:00-04:00

I fear that this "veteran" stuff is going overboard. If we're not careful, we may find ourselves shunned as whiny and insecure people who cannot allow *anything* fun to happen in this country without getting a case of wadded undies. We did our jobs and we did it well, and I am 100% fine with knowing that myself. People who care about me know and random strangers are respectful and that in itself is more than I expected. I am thankful for that.

Society has come to grips with the fact that the Vietnam guys came back to an indifferent population that disdained their sacrifices. We've more than made up for that. Let's move on and tackle our future challenges together as a society, veteran and not, for the right reasons, not for accolades.

Response by SGT Mike Rudd made Jul 11 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-07-11T17:52:00-04:00

Again our president and his cabinet and a lot of other gov. Officials have there head in the wrong place but the fact is this is a sport they are playing for gold . Veterans and military as a whole are play for freedom with their life !!! They don't seem to see the difference!!! As always they can't distinguish which is really ore important. I think I will stop voting al together . America deserves BETTER!!!! I need to take my rolaids now.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jul 11 at 2015 11:34 PM

2015-07-11T23:34:32-04:00

"Silent Professionals" don't need ticker tape parades. Also, the US Women's Soccer team won their event...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 12:34 AM

2015-07-12T00:34:58-04:00

I was just happy to come home to my family from both OIF and OEF. I didn't join the Army for the attention it brings, I joined bc I love my country.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 6:29 AM

2015-07-12T06:29:18-04:00

It is not an injustice to soldiers every time someone who is not a soldier is honored.

Also...aren't the ticker tape parades usually held AFTER the war is over?

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Jul 12 at 2015 11:09 AM

2015-07-12T11:09:44-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I agree with CPT Private RallyPoint Member: do we always need to pull the veteran card? Not to mention, I would much rather see funding spent to improve veterans' lives and well-being, not just a parade that is really more about making other people feel good about thanking veterans for their service.

Also, why is the question not asked about the parades and rallies held in California and Chicago for the Warriors and the Blackhawks? (btw, go Blackhawks!)

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jul 12 at 2015 11:21 AM

2015-07-12T11:21:47-04:00

the superbowl winners get one, the world series winners get one, the women's ncaa tourny winners get one, so no this doesn't bother me, it makes people happy and brings up morale, nothing wrong with it.

Response by CPT Alan W. made Jul 12 at 2015 11:26 AM

2015-07-12T11:26:36-04:00

Great Job U.S. Women's Soccer Team! Great Job U.S. Veterans! I've always enjoyed telling folks that they've done a great job!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 11:30 AM

2015-07-12T11:30:18-04:00

We do not sign our names on that contract for the hope of future recognition. We do so because we feel the desire to serve a greater good, our country and to protect our freedoms. Anyone who joins with the hope of getting a "ticker tape parade" in the future is joining for all the wrong reasons. What ever happened to selflessness and honor?

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jul 12 at 2015 11:32 AM

2015-07-12T11:32:20-04:00

Wait is the war in Iraq over?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 11:39 AM

2015-07-12T11:39:02-04:00

Why do we need a parade? I joined before 9/11/, and my intentions were patriotic. I know 9/11 has sparked that patriotic bug in others, but it feels to me that since 9/11 many have joined because they see members of the military receiving accolades. Personally, I can't stand this.

This is a volunteer military. A volunteer Army. I don't want discounts, handouts, parades, special recognition, etc., just because I've done my job and followed orders. And I don't think anyone else should either. That doesn't seem very professional to me. I don't feel that not holding a ticker tape parade for the Veterans of Iraq is an injustice whatsoever. I signed up "fully knowing the hazards of my chosen profession" and so did every other veteran and current serving member.

This is a horrible trend that's been started. Expecting something for serving. Looking at the definition of the word serve, because that's what we do, I don't see any mention of receiving special treatment for being a servant. But somehow because some people wanted to show gratitude, vets all over the place expect it now. I think it's time we shut our mouths and be thankful that we made it home. You want to be honored? Go back and come home without a heartbeat. Those are the true heroes that deserve a parade.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 2:23 PM

2015-07-12T14:23:09-04:00

Yea. The women's soccer team went and worked hard on the international level and brought home a championship. We should celebrate them and all our international teams regardless of wins/loss.

We're two separate entities. We have parades on Veterans Day and Memorial Day. The only "parade" I ever needed was walking in that gym after deployment and seeing my wife.

Honestly it only does us more harm playing "why do we celebrate this but veterans blah blah blah" we did our jobs. Enough said.

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 12 at 2015 5:23 PM

2015-07-12T17:23:54-04:00

Instead of the money needed to throw a ticker tape parade, why don't we use the money to pay for homes for our homeless Vets. For the cost of one parade I am sure we could build an entire neighborhood of houses, for those who don't even have a home to write their own wishes on this site.

Instead of a parade, which is over as soon as the last streamer is thrown, why not give our Veterans, who sacrificed so much for this country, what they really need?

You have to pick and choose your battles. Let our excellent Women's soccer team have their moment.

Response by MSgt Jim Wolverton made Jul 12 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-07-12T18:26:51-04:00

I don't want a parade, heck, I don't really even liked to be thanked for my service! I know what I did and my family knows, that's all that matters.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 12 at 2015 10:06 PM

2015-07-12T22:06:55-04:00

They won, so why not give them a parade? Soccer hardly gets any publicity anyway. Why do we need a ticker tape parade, and why begrudge anyone else something just because we didn't get it? I don't want to sound argumentative, but this sounds a whole like the jenners thing, he/she isn't brave! Soldiers are brave!

Response by LTC Bink Romanick made Jul 13 at 2015 7:55 AM

2015-07-13T07:55:48-04:00

The Pentagon has asked NYC not to have a ticker tape parade for the troops. I assume because hostilities continue. Remember ""mission accomplished"?

Response by CPT Christopher F. made Jul 13 at 2015 8:14 AM

2015-07-13T08:14:58-04:00

I'll just leave this here. I'm sure 1LT Eric Rosa will be by in a minute.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2015/03/16/opinion-no-room-for-sense-of-entitlement-among-veterans-and-military-families/

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 13 at 2015 9:05 AM

2015-07-13T09:05:20-04:00

The USA Womens Soccer Team deserves that parade and well done for them! I have been in several conflicts and I have never had a parade or even a welcome home party. We did our job and returned to base unloaded the aircraft and went home.

Response by Sgt Michael Schmidlkofer made Jul 13 at 2015 6:45 PM

2015-07-13T18:45:03-04:00

Meh, it's the only time Americans, as a nation, will pretend to care about women's sports in general, or soccer in particular. The more interesting discussion is why we are participating in a FIFA soccer tournament at all if the organization is so corrupt that the DOJ is trying to extradite all of the people who run it.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 1:03 AM

2015-07-14T01:03:36-04:00

It could be cost. Unlike the military (Department of Defense) which is federally funded, states need to balance their budgets. If you had one per year, that is an extra 2 million to the state budget. In theory, if you had an average take rate of %20, you would need 10 extra million in economic output and effort from New York. That's 2 million that could have been spent on schools, paramedics, fire fighters, roads, and police officers. As a soldier, I want to protect the people as much as their quality of life. It was a special event and I like sports ,so I don't see anything wrong with it.
http://www.wsj.com/articles/ticker-tape-parade-for-u-s-womens-soccer-team-to-cost-nyc-2-million [login to see]

Ticker-Tape Parade for U.S. Women’s Soccer Team to Cost NYC $2 Million

The price tag, largely covered by public money, will cover security, overtime and cleanup costs as well as float decorations

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jul 14 at 2015 10:20 AM

2015-07-14T10:20:23-04:00

Leftists and their priorities..

Response by MGySgt Douglas C. made Jul 14 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-07-14T12:59:30-04:00

Those amazing athletes deserve all that they get, ticker tape parade, visit to the White House, fame and fortune and all of the glory which goes along with winning the major women's soccer event. We, the veterans, have received what we deserve from our country, twice a month. Plus we got to blow things up and shoot at the people who most annoyed us. What more do we need???? At least, this Marine needs nothing more. Congratulations to the American Women's Soccer Team - World Champions.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 1:38 PM

2015-07-14T13:38:37-04:00

I'm very happy for them. It's been a long time coming. I think the Middle East vets have been well recognized. I'm not bitter anymore about how the Nam vets were treated. It was a sign of the times. Am I still pissed about Hanoi Jane? Yes! But so are thousands of others. Life's too short to stay involved with something that you're upset about. Was this question asked because the author is upset about the soccer team or the Iraq veterans? Someone that does something great should be recognized. I don't follow soccer but I know a champion when I see one. I'll leave it at that.

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Jul 14 at 2015 1:54 PM

2015-07-14T13:54:41-04:00

SPC, Servicemembers hate to march around on post. They usually can't stand to be in formation, and many can't stay in step to save their lives. We don't need another reason to stand around for an extended period of time just to walk a few feet and stand again. If we do, I'm sure there are MANY CoC's coming up where folks can do all of that. Otherwise what needs to happen is for us to be thankful that we're alive, and to remember those that didn't make it. OEF veteran here. Let the Ladies have their moment. They earned it.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 14 at 2015 4:31 PM

2015-07-14T16:31:25-04:00

Congrats to the Women's Soccer team. In no way does what they did equal any of our sacrifices of those on this thread, much less those who are not around to post. But that's not the point. They deserve a parade because every sports team gets a parade. Unfortunately there was no concise 5-2 final game victory, nor a surrender by the opposing side, that signals a victory worth celebrating.

Personally I'm not so concerned about that I'm recognized separately than any other generation of service members. I'd argue that not since WW2 have American been as supportive of troops. Not to mention that if you do your homework, you can probably find an education program, a retail store or a vacation spot that gives us a rather significant discount as a thank you for service. We still have some work to do on serious issues such as employment and suicide. If you are looking for worthy goal, set your sites on improving one of those two, and enjoy the celebrations during the traditional military holidays.

Last but not least, if you have never given a speech or participated at an event on Memorial Day, July 4th or Veteran's Day, I highly recommend it. You will never feel more appreciated simply for wearing the uniform in your life. People appreciate us, and opportunities to interact are out there if you look for them!

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 30 at 2015 3:13 PM

2015-07-30T15:13:23-04:00

NYC has a huge history of ticker tape parades for sports teams. It shows what people's priorities are...