"Easymo, I also was shipped off to "our" war on a commercial jet liner, spent a years' tour and was shipped back home... What were your feelings on the plane ride over there as opposed to the plane ride home? On the way over I was scared and aprehensive. On the ride home I was bitter, sad and angry. At no time did I feel proud that my nation was able to transport us on a commercial jet complete with Stewardesses and then bring us home the same way. "
First. I should explain where I came from. To put things in perspective.
I had 7 Uncles that were WW2 vets. My dad was a bit famous for his exploits in the Korean war. When I was a boy. It was common, at family gatherings, to hear these men talk about their wars.
I was not drafted, I inlisted. And I volunteered for Vietnam. My expectations,and reactions, might be different from someone who had been called up, and was doing his duty.
My overriding memory of the ride over is boredom. I also went by way of Alaska. (something about the cerviture of the earth. Still doesn't make any sense.) It was a very Loooong flight.
Coming back. Nothing but pure joy, at going back to the world.
I took being on an airliner for granted. Never gave it a thought at the time. The reason I pointed this out, is when the Euro's are busy USA bashing, they always mention our wealth. Like this is a weakness of some kind. I like to remind them how that wealth might be employed. If, for example, we were to get pissed at some little toad hole like Finland. We might just erase it from collective memory
