Comments:
raymond - 2005-01-25 18:33:20 Raymond: An elegant post as usual. But when you say "olden days," I have to wonder which war you are referring to.* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2005-01-26 08:16:33 My experience was in the early 1960s, Cold War into Vietnam Era (I went to the ready reserves and didn't go to Asia). I went to Germany at the end of a Berlin crisis. Draftees had just had their time extended by a year. They weren't happy. Black Power was raising its fist then too. Yeah, Truman had integrated the military, but acceptance and equality hadn't arrived. Exciting and educational. During the Cuban Missile Crisis we expected action momentarily. Tense time. Then Vietnam heated up. Advisors. A force of 11,000. More Advisors. More everything. I was out in the forests playing enemy aggressor when JFK was killed. It sort of took the steam out of soldiering for me. Many in the military didn't like Kennedy. Rumors circulated briefly that the killing was the result of a coup. It seemed possible. I decided not to re-enlist. Landing in Ann Arbor in the midst of the Free Speech movement, the beginning of the anti-war protests, and emerging Hippies was a shock. I stayed beyond it all, vowing to remain a contemplative crackpot. Like, I really miss Beatniks.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-01-26 09:03:23 Your story was extremely interesting to read--thanks Raymond.* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: |