American vs British soldiers

[almostwitty]

I was in a queue for some bagels, behind a very tall soldier fully decked out in green camouflage uniform. While in the queue, someone else randomly went up to him, shook his hand and said "I thank you, soldier, for protecting our country" before going on his way.

I'm not too sure how much that happens in the United States - do random strangers thank policemen and fire fighters too? Certainly contrasts to the UK, where the armed forces essentially had to launch a media campaign telling people to thank the Army and Navy after there were rumours of hotels barring soldiers and the like.

Whilst waiting for our respective bagels, I was tempted to look up to the soldier (man, he was TALL!) and ask him why he was wearing his uniform instead of casual civillian clothing. I mean, it can't have been that comfortable, surely - and you don't see policemen or fire fighters wearing their uniform off-duty. But alas my courage failed me - another reason why I'll never be a journalist...

Just 150 minutes to wait to my next connection...

Comments

[countessof-roth.livejournal.com]

They were probably a crazy die hard republican that thinks this "war on terror" is a decent and noble cause.

I support the guys over there because they are putting their lives at stake, however i don't support the REASON why they are there.

[red-silk-robe.livejournal.com]

When traveling under orders, American Personnel are required to wear uniform. I assume you were in line at an airport :)

And yes, I think in general there is a lot of respect for the military here, in spite of our general anti-war stance. Then again many of us get yelled at for saying that too. As a military daughter I fully believe I can support my troops without believing in the war or the reasons behind it. I think its' more apt to happen now than 40 years ago because we no longer have a draft. People choose to serve.

I thank my firemen and policemen too (the ones I see every day and know well enough, or observe directly enough to appreciate the good they do. October is fire awareness month and my local firehouse will be having an open house next week. I plan to take up a big batch of scones. I do that each year.

And for the record, I'm not a crazy die hard republican that thinks this 'war on terror' is a decent and noble cause--far from it. But that said, it doesn't make our military personnel ignoble either.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

The guy might have been on duty and stepping away from whatever his post was to get his breakfast. My hubby, essentially, worked in an office in downtown Oakland and so was forever nipping out for lunch/dinner in his blues.

If you're travelling to/from somewhere on leave, you may opt to wear your uniform, even if you're using civvy transport.

Also, recruiters wear their uniform out and about, trawling for potential victims.

And, yeah, I see folks thank the soliders occasionally, but not the cops or the firefighters...

[almostwitty]

blues? Your hubby's a policeman?

I can appreciate you may choose to wear your uniform. But I can't see why you'd want to - then again, I don't like to wear anything outlandish or uncomfortable. Which reminds me, that post I keep meaning to write about wearing costumes...

[shove-this-job.livejournal.com]

I remember after 9/11, sops and firefighters everywhere would get stopped by strangers and hugged in the middle of the street. Hell, I did it. I think it's as the countess says - I may hate the reason, but I don't hold it against the kid who signed up to serve his nation. He doesn't get to choose his wars, sadly. Idiots who have never seen battle do that for him.

[shove-this-job.livejournal.com]

Cops were stopped too, but not as much as our brave sops.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

My hubby *was* in the Air Force for sixteen years. :)

As for why a person would choose to wear their uniform, well... you *do* know that not *everyone* joined the military as a last resort and hates it like poison, right? :)

[almostwitty]

Hang on, how *old* is Alex ?!

Oh, I do know many people want to join the armed forces, and it's a noble choice for those who choose to do it. I'm just not the kind of person who likes wearing costumes or uniforms of any description. Just let me a shirt/short Tee-shirt and pants, and I'm happy as Larry. Anything else, I get squicky. For instance, I have to wear a superhero costume at a forthcoming stag night. I'm really hating the idea.

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Alex is 42 and, before you ask, I'm 36. :)

[almostwitty]

Ah right, thought you two were in your late 20s or something...

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

It's the lurching from crisis to crisis bit. Most people get past that after their 20s, yes. ;)

[almostwitty]

Actually, 'twas more the number of things you do and the sheer amount of energy you seem to have. Most of us 30-somethings just slob at home all day ;)

[britgeekgrrl.livejournal.com]

Oh, the energy is waning, I assure you. But what's the point in posting about days where I slept for 14 hours, as I did yesterday? 'Tis hardly exciting reading. ;)

[almostwitty]

depends on what made you sleep for 14 hours.

And also, you manage to post every day. About something interesting to boot. That's what also makes you seem younger - in a good way!

[choirgrrl.livejournal.com]

I'd wear my uniform everywhere. There are so many businesses (and bars!) that offer major discounts or giveaway items for people in the military.
You want to give me a FREE beer? I'm on it!
You want to dry clean my uniform for FREE? Here it is!

I'm sure that's not why all our military men go out dressed up, I'm just saying it would be my sole reason! *is looking online for believable military wear*

[(Anonymous)]

Reminds me of a post on Copperfield's blog after he moved to Canada. A planeload of troops landed at the airport and the poilce escorted them from there to the barracks with blues'n'twos while crowds applauded them on the street.

Far cry, as you say, from our lot who're treated like someone else's shit when in reality they're *doing* someone else's shit work and putting themselves at risk for it.

I have an ex (you know her, no names) who writes to soldiers overseas and keeps their *ahem* peckers up for them. Her way of saying "thank you".