From: Leo on Fri 3 Jun 2005 18:45
On 2 Jun 2005 17:21:36 -0700, wrote:
Leo wrote:
On 1 Jun 2005 15:39:42 -0700, wrote:
etc.
Here's a simple, direct question:
Do you think Len's little piece on the "Tomb of the Unknown Solder" is
funny? Or is it an insult to the Unknowns? Or is
it something else?
Personally, I saw it for the humorous parody that it was intended to
be - not 'laugh out loud' funny, but humourous (and rather witty!)
nevertheless.
Actually, it is a sharp and pointed piece of satiric sarcasm
that is unmistakably aimed at our Last Action Hero (seven
times) in here. :-)
I understand that some may find that particular subject to be one that
should not be parodied - but, considering the obvious pride that the
author has in both his own military service and the service of others,
I would strongly doubt that any disrespect whatsoever was intended to
those whose ultimate sacrifice is honoured by the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier.
There's a very simple ceremony done in the U.S. military,
or at least was, and I'm not sure of other branches
besides Army. It is called "Retreat" and done at the
beginning of sundown, coincident with lowering the Flag.
Most times it is done simply by a group accompanying the
Flag handlers. Sometimes it has a simple dedication to an
individual or individuals. One "stands a Retreat" out of
respect, to honor all that went before. Anyone who "stands
a Retreat" will understand. Others, especially those never
having served, will dismiss it as simply lowering the flag,
just another excuse by the military for some kind of ceremony.
They cannot feel the ceremony within. They are not a Part
of it.
There's another curious-to-non-military-persons custom or
rather attitude which pertains to Unit Recognition. Navy
personnel express that by a pride in "their" ship. Other
branches will identify with their Unit or work identity.
It is sometimes referred to (technically) as Unit
Cohesiveness or (familiarly) as Teamwork or perhaps just
inwardly as Pride in what one does.
In my case I had that sense of Unit with the Signal
Battalion I was assigned to. I had no choice in which
unit, yet grew to feel a part of it, of identifying it as
"my" battalion. I took pride in doing my assigned work.
I learned of the unit's origin, how it changed over time,
saw how it kept changing while I was there...and kept
track of it even long after my Honorable Discharge was
given me in 1960.
What I find truly abhorrent, distasteful, disrespectful,
and quite sickening is the charges of "dishonor" leveled
by a hateful little emotional loose cannon in here done
for no other reason than he hates some people and cannot
hold back his rage and anger. What adds to the abhorrence,
distaste, and disrespect is the self-perceived NON-serving
veteran who wants to "chide" others for their "mistakes"
about the U.S. military when they are (supposedly) U.S.
citizens. Their whole reason for their "charges" are
based on nothing but trying to "win" some argument over a
subject...using those rather obvious false charges which
have NO relationship to the subject.
Simple summation: Jimmie be too uptight and anal; he needs
to get laid.
My $.02 .
...and now mine...plus shipping charges...Jimmie gets bill.
This has departed from "amateur radio" subjects but, given,
the overall anal-retentive attitude in here of trying to
tie together military forces with a HOBBY involving radio
(which is NO tie at all), I felt it had to be said.
We can now resume the usual PCTA Extra Double Standard
banner waving long in progress. The Morsebirds are
twittering in full song...