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THE PATRIOT


In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man, and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.”          ~Mark Twain



The above quote could not say it better in describing what a Veteran is.  They are the unsung hero who, without thought to their own life, take up the call to serve their country.
The term GI translates to Government Issue, which means that a soldier is literally construed as a property of the United States Government.  This is specified in the soldier’s contract upon enlistment.  They agree to be solely governed by the United States Armed Forces, 24/7.  If the government says to work all night, you work all night. If the government requires you to do jumping jacks, you jump.  If the government says you must pick up your rifle and travel to another country to fight and put your life at great risk, you travel to that country.  And a soldier is not allowed to sue the government for any transgression it may inflict on them.  This is clearly stipulated and reviewed as part of the enlistment process.
The part of Mark Twain’s quote that strikes me the most is how a person of the Armed Services is perceived.  When America was behind the reasons for entering the wars of WWI, WWII, and Korea; it cheered and welcomed these soldiers with great fanfare upon their return.  When the country was not behind the reason for a military engagement, such as the Vietnam Conflict, Americans vehemently denounced these soldiers.  There was no welcome home fanfare for these soldiers and when they returned, they were often spat upon and made to feel as if they were criminals.
The Oxford Dictionary describes a patriot as, “A person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.”   With that definition in mind, it is my opinion that:

One can call themselves a patriot, but only the soldier truly understands its meaning.


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