Some thoughts from an old guy.
It is important to remember that the military does not set national policy. The military implements national policy. Disagree with the national policy, then disagree with the politicians, not the military members.
When I was serving, I always separated my personal opinions from my military duties. Now as an old fart, I never forget that this same attitude continues in today's military.
I am sure I am not the only vet who has done things diametrically opposed to my personal beliefs, supported operations I felt were wrong, stood by and did nothing to help people I felt needed our help. I have done things that I find personally offensive. I have enabled poor decisions made by our political leadership. I have witnessed the results of our greatness and the consequences of our mediocrity. I have done wonderful things and things I am ashamed of.
But that's why it is called "serving my country". It is not a glamorous thing, it is not a heroic thing. It is certainly not a "I am better than you" thing. Not at all. For some it is a duty that can't really be explained to others. To others it is an obligation that is hard to define. To others it is a form of welfare for losers. To others it is just a job. All of them are correct. Just like the people who call us heroes or sheep are equally wrong.
It is difficult to understand and difficult to explain. Like most vets, I can't talk about a lot of thing that happened during my career. Either I am not allowed to talk about them or, more likely, people who have never served won't understand. There are many people who served who don't understand. I don't profess to understand everything myself. It is sometimes just easier not to talk about it.
I joined up about 5 years after the Vietnam era. No one spat at me or called me a baby-killer. In the 1980's we were called losers, leaches, lazy, worthless bums who could not make it in the real world. We were not hated, but pitied. Like the military members of the past, the present, and the future, I took it. Suffering the slings and arrows from an non-understanding and ungrateful citizenry is part of the package. But it still hurt.
I can only write for myself, but perhaps other vets will chime in. I don't want parades or honourifics. I don't want car magnets purchased from China. I don't want people to pretend to honour me on one day of the year. A simple, sincere non-judgmental thank you is all that I want.
I volunteered to serve my country. I have shed my blood on foreign soil, I have challenged pretty much every moral I had. I have at times sacrificed my values. I chose freely to do all of this and more. I am not a flag waver. I don't even consider myself very patriotic. There is a lot I like about our country and a lot I dislike about it.
But in my way, I love my country. And I am honoured to have been of some small, insignificant service to my country. I still serve my country in my civilian job. I will probably serve my country for the rest of my life. Don't ask me why. I probably couldn't explain it. It is just something that I do.
I just wanted to get that off my chest.