A Level of Silence and Respect.

[mapalfa]

I'm not ex-US military, I'm not even American, but I am ex-forces and this sort of thing never ceases to disgust me.

How they manage to keep their cool under these circumstances is beyond me, I'd want to bayonet them!

We've had a few incidents here where tourists have gone too far with the Guardsmen on duty at various palaces. There's always some idiot trying to wind them up, forgetting that most are combat veterans these days. To do the same at a war memorial, any war memorial, shows such utter contempt for the sacrifices made that it makes me sick.

I've not been to Arlington but would like to - I think? I've visited the Normandy cemeteries a number of times, but I always have some feeling that I'm treating them like a tourist attraction when they should be for those with a more direct connection. I guess if I was near I'd visit one of the concentration camp sites, but again as much as I'd want to go to pay my respects, I know I'd probably feel like a voyeur when I was there. I've had the same feeling when diving on wrecks where there's been loss of life, as much as you feel the respect, by being there you can't help but disturb the place.

At the same time I do wonder if the war graves should be more of a picnic site type attraction. Would those who made the ultimate sacrifice want to be remembered in silent contemplation, or would they want people to enjoy the freedom and peace that they paid for with their lives.

I guess lots of that's down to your view of death. My wife comes from a traditional Portuguese family and the British habit of walking our dogs through cemeteries has taken years for her to become comfortable with. All her relatives are in huge stone memorials, but I want to be buried in a cardboard coffin with a fruit tree over me so people can benefit from me when I've gone.

When I joined the forces (post-Falklands, pre Gulf I) I told my parents that I would hate it if they made a fuss if I got killed on duty. As it turned out I had a very short enlistment due to a training injury, but had I been deployed I'd want to know that my place of rest was somewhere people could enjoy rather than feel silenced by.

That doesn't mean that I think there should be disrespect shown at The Tomb, that's not how it's been treated traditionally and that tradition should be respected, it's just how I'd feel about myself.

[cop414]

If there was ever a thread that deserves a bump this is it. Blizzard conditions and these men aren't fazed in the least!

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by cop414

If there was ever a thread that deserves a bump this is it. Blizzard conditions and these men aren't fazed in the least!

That is very moving to me.

[beer]

Originally Posted by cop414

Why would anyone give that a thumbs down, unless they were referring to the disrespect being shown...?

unfortunately if you look at certain breed of teenager and even adult who has access to the internet now you will find this is wrong

luckily a lack of balls means they usually stick to the internet but as shown by this video they will occasionally venture into the real world when they can find a victim who will not retaliate

[mapalfa]

Like the scum who protest at military funerals.

I have no issue with people objecting to any particular conflict we get ourselves into, that's what democracy is all about after all, but to abuse the families of fallen servicemen and women is lower than low.

I don't even have a huge issue with the stereotypical immigrant who's happy to accept our hospitality and political/religious freedoms then calls for the social contract, that guarantees they can speak their minds without having electrodes connected to their private parts, to be overthrown in favour of their narrow minded religious views. I don't like them, but I'd rather have to put up with them than live somewhere where one can't speak one's mind.

But, for the love of God (whatever you call Him/Her, if you call them at all), leave the families of the fallen alone.

[UNLVino]

I've been there it's surreal - you realize exactly what some have given to allows those few to do what they do. Double edge - morons, dipshits and idiots have freedom of speech too.

I also went to the old part of Arlington to visit my great, great, great grandfathers grave who gave his life during the battle of Gettysburgh as part of th 57th Massachusetts Infantry. The old part of Arlington has a feeling, hard to describe but awe inspiring.

Thank you to all on the forum who serve and have served in not only the military, but police and fire as well - you are the reason i am able to post here in a comfortable environment.

[UNLVino]

Originally Posted by cop414

If there was ever a thread that deserves a bump this is it. Blizzard conditions and these men aren't fazed in the least!

True hero!