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[Twolanerider]

If only our current Generation had a fraction of the heart, determination, patriotism, loyalty, and backbone of this generation we would have the respect of the rest of the world.

I'm sorry but that's a crock and a cheap shot.  During WWII just under 39% of US service members were volunteers.  Granted that number would've been higher but part way through the war those available for conscription were no longer allowed to volunteer so that manpower could be placed where needed.  The sacrifice by family and country was great.  But not so much as to discount today's generation.

The proportion of conscripts to volunteers in Korea was as one would expect immediately post WW II.  In Vietnam, myth and folklore notwithstanding, about 70% of those who died were volunteers.  The high percentage of volunteers despite longer times in contact than those that served before them as they island hopped across the Pacific or were rotated in and out with the huge numbers of men available in Europe.

Move that ahead to the post Vietnam era and today.  An entirely all volunteer force.  A force that due to its effectiveness is at a social remove from the nation at large as much as it has ever been.  A force that, the "feel" of the country notwithstanding, has really been on a war footing for a generation.  A force that now serves longer tours with smaller numbers in regular contact more often.  

All those who have responded to the country's needs have been great.  To say that is not the case today is the hubris of the old looking down their noses on those who have come after and venting their own insecurities.  Shame on any who do this.  

Perhaps the greatest threat to the nation today isn't foreign but is the impending financial debacle the country still may have before it.  And that is a construct not of the young men and women serving today but of the prior generations who may or may not have served before but are civilian government today.  You want to find a generation that won't or can't make hard choices even to the detriment of the country it is not the young people today.  Some may not like the choices they make.  But they make them.  Those that choose to be comfortable and just keep on keeping on are the suits who are mostly our age.

[DDavidson]

If only our current Generation had a fraction of the heart, determination, patriotism, loyalty, and backbone of this generation we would have the respect of the rest of the world.

You can sure open a can of worms with this comment!

I think Ironhorse and Twolanerider are right on.

My experience with traveling internationally is that the U.S. overall is still liked by most. People object to the politics about the same as the Americans IMO.

I'm very proud of our current generation and stand behind them. These last 10 years have been tough.

[JoMo]

Actually they do. Not to disgrace or disparage your intent, but the US involvement WWII lasted from 1941 to 1945. Some of our current men and women in uniform have been fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan for over 10 years. That says something about them, their charecter, loyalty, patriotism and sense of service. Many of those who come out of the service continue to serve and go on work as cops, firefighters, teachers and much much more. Ask ANYONE here about their son or daughter in the service, they'll tell you the same.

That's just my opinion.

                                Very well said Mark 

                                         Jo Mo NYC 

[GregKhougaz]

Potlucky,  That is a great tribute to "America's greatest generation." If you were referring to the entire generation, you have an excellent poiint.  Most of the population sacrificed something during WW II.  That is demonstrated by the posters in your posts.  Sadly, and for political purposes, the country has tried to wage subsequent wars without inconveniencing the population.  If you are referring only to the service men and women, then Ironhorse, TwoLane and Davidson all are correct.  Just my opinion.  

[North Georgia Hawg]

I'm sorry but that's a crock and a cheap shot.  During WWII just under 39% of US service members were volunteers.  Granted that number would've been higher but part way through the war those available for conscription were no longer allowed to volunteer so that manpower could be placed where needed.  The sacrifice by family and country was great.  But not so much as to discount today's generation.

The proportion of conscripts to volunteers in Korea was as one would expect immediately post WW II.  In Vietnam, myth and folklore notwithstanding, about 70% of those who died were volunteers.  The high percentage of volunteers despite longer times in contact than those that served before them as they island hopped across the Pacific or were rotated in and out with the huge numbers of men available in Europe.

Move that ahead to the post Vietnam era and today.  An entirely all volunteer force.  A force that due to its effectiveness is at a social remove from the nation at large as much as it has ever been.  A force that, the "feel" of the country notwithstanding, has really been on a war footing for a generation.  A force that now serves longer tours with smaller numbers in regular contact more often.  

All those who have responded to the country's needs have been great.  To say that is not the case today is the hubris of the old looking down their noses on those who have come after and venting their own insecurities.  Shame on any who do this.  

Perhaps the greatest threat to the nation today isn't foreign but is the impending financial debacle the country still may have before it.  And that is a construct not of the young men and women serving today but of the prior generations who may or may not have served before but are civilian government today.  You want to find a generation that won't or can't make hard choices even to the detriment of the country it is not the young people today.  Some may not like the choices they make.  But they make them.  Those that choose to be comfortable and just keep on keeping on are the suits who are mostly our age.

I wish we had a Like button on this forum... cuz I sure would have clicked on it for your post, Twolanerider. Well said!

And thanks to potlucky for starting this tribute thread. And may I add that ALL US service people, past and present, are to be THANKED and HIGHLY COMMENDED for your service. I have a number of friends who are currently deployed in various theaters and branches, and they are all true American Patriots who serve voluntarily. So THANK YOU!

[potlucky]

I know I'm a little A.D.D. and sorry about the over generalization of the comment, but i stand by it. The entire country rallied together back then. People of this great country bought war bonds every paycheck, car factories were converted into plane factories, and the wives and mothers of the soldiers went to work in those factories. Now so many people expect the (1%) or the (49%) to pay for everything, plus take care of the rest of the people still here. Ive got nieces and nephews in the army and air force, and agree the guys and girls in the service are not lacking in bravery and patriotism, nor their families. I did not intend to say the military of the 40s is better than the military of today, Same military, same goal, same mission, were all on the same side. I love our country I'm proud of our military, but most of all I'm proud of the greatest generation, without which we would be speaking German or Japanese.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Potlucky,  That is a great tribute to "America's greatest generation." If you were referring to the entire generation, you have an excellent poiint.  Most of the population sacrificed something during WW II.  That is demonstrated by the posters in your posts.  Sadly, and for political purposes, the country has tried to wage subsequent wars without inconveniencing the population.  If you are referring only to the service men and women, then Ironhorse, TwoLane and Davidson all are correct.  Just my opinion.  

I would agree with Greg.

The people serving today have given as much if not more than those in WWII.  Many are on their 4th or 5th tour of Combat.  Many volunteered and have served 20 years.  There is a lot of sacrifice in serving 20 years.  Just ask my kids how much THEY sacrificed while both their mom and dad served 20 years in the Navy.

I also agree most people not in the service, police, fire fighting and such do not sacrifice.  They at most pay lip service to our Military, and many just put our military and country down.

I have been retired 10 years now from the Navy, my Wife been retired 12 years from the Navy.  We still Give monthly to the Navy Marine Corps relief society by payroll deduction.  Our oldest daughter served 4 years.

[pvtryno]

This generation's true hero's. My fellow Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians who take "The Long Walk" down to the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) while everyone else is running away.

 --- Why EOD? Because even Firefighters need hero's!

[Harleypingman]

deleted.

[red ben59]

To ALL that have served: THANK YOU FOR YOUR SACRIFICE