Today, watching a broadcast of the Paris Olympics, I chanced upon In the Company Of Heroes, produced by the Best Defense Foundation and narrated by Matt Damon...... Interviews with WWII survivors of D-Day and the fighting in Europe to liberate France and the West from the Nazis. As the son of a WW II USMC Southwest Pacific veteran, (UPI Photo circa 1942 I think) it brought tears of pride to my eyes.
Today, when people recognize my former service and thank me, I always say "Thank You" and tell them of the pride and privilege I still feel in having worn my country's uniform for over twenty years and being allowed the opportunity to honorably serve.
Now, after my thanks, I also ask them if they believe that my service, my Father's sacrifice and that of all my fellow veterans, many of whom gave "that last full measure," makes us or them "suckers and losers?"
Usually, they answer (sometimes reluctantly) in the negative ... and then I remind them that the candidate of a major political party has voiced exactly that sentiment.
I'm not reluctant to say this. I admonish them that, if their "thank you" is sincere they will remember the sacrifice of my fellow veterans and their families when they step into the voting booth this fall and remember that this nominated individual and anyone who has supported and/or endorsed him is not worthy of their vote.
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