Vietnam Veterans Day

[MikeP]

In those days we all had a 6 year legal obligation to serve if required.
Part of the "Social Contract" we are born into. My generation and those before us generally accepted that.
During the VN days, draftees had a 2 year requirement. Army enlistees had 3 and Marines, Navy and Air Force had 4.
The lottery, which never began until 1969, supposedly made the selection more fair.
I lost my college deferment in 1966 after 3 semesters and went from 2S to 1A. That meant I was on my way. Like many thousands, I enlisted in order to get a better choice. Mine was Infantry with Airborne. I was fortunate enough to be selected for Special Forces and got to be with some outstanding motivated people. Did 4 years which was enough for me.
I never felt invested by anyone nor had any "Whoopee" moments. I always respected any of us who served, whatever they did or wherever they were.
I spent 20 months voluntarily in RVN, 16 months of which were in a remote border "A-Camp" with 8-10 other SF guys advising Cambodian and Montagnard irregulars in defending and maintaining their homes along the Cambodian border. Amazing and memorable experience for a kid off the farm.
I know that most who served then had no idea where VN was, and that they really did not know why we were there. A complicated many sided subject that can be perused by anyone interested.
For the most part, we accepted our obligation and made the best of it.
Most vets today will say that serving was a good experience and had a positive effect on their lives.
We earned a lot of benefits most of us used to some extent.
I have been a veteran advocate and taken a serious interest and involvement in veterans affairs for as long as I can remember.
VN Vets are all in our 70s and our time is quickly passing.
I do what I can which today involves a lot of funeral ceremony firing parties.
Our WW2 guys have hit their 90s. They are our fathers and few remain.
Korea Veterans never got any recognition or respect and that is a shame.
As a VN Vet, I don't really support the concept of a day just regarding us. Way too divisive and unrealistically exclusive.
November 11 is for all vets and should be observed accordingly. Just my opinion.