Military service not always patriotic
“Thank you for your service” is always sincere and welcomed by veterans, but I think some people are naive to believe all veterans were motivated by the need to serve their country.
Back in my day, service to the country was incidental to a youthful urge for adventure.
Right after the attack on Pearl Harbor, there was a real outpouring of patriotism, and young men rushed to join the military and serve their country.
I haven’t seen anything like that since. The young military people of today may be better motivated than I was so many years ago.
Joseph E. Long
Lexington
This story was originally published December 4, 2017 at 5:43 PM with the headline "Military service not always patriotic."