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

[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!