when my youngest son graduated from training at Great Lakes Naval in July we took him out for the day...in the resturant a number of patrons approached our table, thanked him for his service and shook our hands...at first my son was a little uncomfortable, but pretty soon he decided it was pretty cool to know so many people do appreciate the sacrifices that families make. as the day went on, we were at 6-flags amusement park,even young men walked up to him and shook his hand! it was AWESOME! the whole day i thought about how things have changed. being a teenager during the end of Viet Nam i so remember my uncle's returning home to have people spit on them, throw things at them and say horrible things...and the 3 of them never wanted to be there...they were there because they were drafted and sent...doing what they were told for a country that did not care...at least now more people do recognize the sacrifices. when my son decided to join the service he did not make the decision lightly...
i am just so very happy that i do not feel the need to worry about him being out in public...he's not treated poorly for his service like was the norm 35 years ago