Troopathon 2009: Gratitude from a ‘Dandy Lad’

I’m one of the few men in my family not to serve in the military.  I am proud to say that I am not proud of this distinction.  I regret not showing the valor of my Uncle Walter, who was captured by Germans, escaped, then allowed himself to be recaptured in order to spring some high level Resistance fighters from a concentration camp.

I feel less of a man because I did not lead my platoon through a leech infested swamp in the Pacific as my Uncle Lawrence did.  I feel like a wuss because I did not, as my Uncle Zig did, capture an entire division of German soldiers.

My father was an Army sniper, his father was a member of the last active Cavalry unit, my other grandfather developed missile guidance systems.  Cousins, uncles, great uncles, great-great uncles all served our country or currently serve.

Yet, despite this amazing bravery, this amazing willingness to self-sacrifice, the men in my family rarely talk about it.  No bragging.  No boasting.  No condescension to the other “dandy lads” in the family like myself who have never had the honor of wearing our nation’s uniform. (more…)