qwerty said:
This is probably not going to come off as very PC but I've never been a big fan if honoring one group of people over another, like eye phone said, why should a soldiers life be considered more honorable than a janitor, retail clerk, fast food worker, white collar worker, etc. also, let's not pretend that most soldiers join the military because they love this country and want to protect it. There probably are some but most aren't that altruistic. A lot of soldiers are people who were not, by societies standard, very smart and had no other choice but to join the military. I will say though that I don't think a lot of soldiers are appropriately taken care of by the govt when they come back after actually serving in actual combat.
Couldn't your comments could apply equally to police and firemen?
Regardless of their motives, or level of intelligence, they volunteered and gave their lives fighting for your freedom to do things like express your thoughts and feelings on message boards.
If a janitor or farmer sacrificed their lives, yes, it would be appropriate for the benefited to show their appreciation.
Since, you and I and all americans have benefited from the veterans' sacrifice, it is appropriate for all of us to show our appreciation. IMO
Unfortunately, most people have no idea what others have sacrificed and assume they are simply entitled to everything this country provides.
You cannot force anyone to be appreciative, so I won't try. But realize that your freedom was not a gift, it was hard fought and won.