On soldiers and civil religion

[MacGyver]

I don't really know what kind of discussion this will generate, but this article by Peter Lucier is one of the most powerful things I've read in some time:

https://wp.nyu.edu/therevealer/2017/09/08/not-your-messiah/

 

[Chucktshoes]

That's a lot to chew on, and worthy of the time it takes to reflect on it. 

[RED333]

As a former sailor that did go into combat, I hold the ones that did in high regard. I do not ask questions I just say thanks and treat them like a friend.

[bersaguy]

Very interesting read and in many ways very enlightening. I have found like most that if you ask 5 different Veterans their view of what they experienced each one will be different yet very much the same in different words. If I know a person is a veteran that has just returned home I try and not ask them anything about what they feel about war but how are they doing back here at home and I am more curious as to whether they might want to offer things they might be looking for but cannot find. I will then go as far out of my way as necessary to try and find what they need without it being obvious that i am trying to help them. Like Red said, BE A FRIEND!! I don't thank them for their service any more because I would guess they have probably heard that so much they don't hear it any longer and would rather not be reminded of why people are thanking them...................JMHO

[gregintenn]

May God bless everyone who's seen combat. That is indeed a powerful article. Thanks for sharing.

[Ski]

It was definitely an interesting read.  It's hard to know how to react.