I reflected on Veterans Day yesterday and just finished writing some thoughts down as I wait for my Honda to be serviced.
I was told happy Veterans Day by a neighbor and after watching Best Years of Our Lives on TCM was subject to a short film thanking veterans.
How does that apply to me?
I can’t even join the Marine Corps today. I am an unacceptable person. Earning the title Marine is supposed to be forever but 5% currently stands to have that stripped from them. How does that not apply to me?
I was told as long as I served honorably the title Trooper was forever. The message was driven home as the DI had us hold our M14s at the balance of the piece at arms length while the Troop stood at attention. That same DI, now a major, signed the paperwork twice that lead to my dishonorable discharge.
I have disposed of anything related to the state police. I use to wear the lapel pins, pt gear, or a polo shirt/jacket that identified me as a Trooper. I don’t have that anymore.
Why shouldn’t I do the same with my Marine Corps stuff. The tatoo would be hard to get rid of but how about all the hats with the Eagle Globe and Anchor or other shirts and jackets? I am unacceptable to be a Marine according to the people that run it today.
Most of my USMC pride gear references WWII, all the uniform pins I have are 1936 pattern honoring WWII Marines - men unacceptable by todays standards and also men I think that would be unsatisfied with todays political path.
It will be up to others now to fight our wars or police crime. I am unacceptable and as long as I have a say so are my kids.
From now on when someone says “Thank you for your service” my response is going to be “I’m unacceptable. It’s your job now. Good luck.”
