Not Just A Hat-Long Version
A tribute to those who gave their all33 total reviews
Comment from Jeff Watkins
Well written and a point of view that needs to be explained more often. I have still another gripe. There is a big difference between combat veterans and non-combat veterans. When I tell people that I am a Vietnam veteran, I always make it clear that I am a non-combat vet. There is a world of difference between my experience as a finance clerk and the experience of a buddy who was repeatedly wounded and returned to battle as a marine infantry officer. I am disgusted by vets who let people assume they are combat vets or falsely claim to be combat vets.
I also do not believe that most wars fought since the Korean war have much to do about defending freedom. The US is evidently leaving about 18,000 interpreters in Afghanistan, probably to be slaughtered. I fail to see how abandoning our allies in South Vietnam and Afghanistan defends freedom in the US. Rather, the sacrifices of our troops and their families
are mocked because those sacrifices were made in wars we never intended to win. While few will say it, I believe that many people, including vets, believe that those who volunteered for these wars are fools and the draftees are victims. Lack of moral clarity is to blame for the attitude of the man who sees the US Army hat as just a hat.
I let myself be drafted into the Army despite having a pregnant wife. Even I can't figure out whether I was a patriot or a fool. I can tell you that I was lucky and most of the guys I trained with were not lucky. Jeff
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Well written and a point of view that needs to be explained more often. I have still another gripe. There is a big difference between combat veterans and non-combat veterans. When I tell people that I am a Vietnam veteran, I always make it clear that I am a non-combat vet. There is a world of difference between my experience as a finance clerk and the experience of a buddy who was repeatedly wounded and returned to battle as a marine infantry officer. I am disgusted by vets who let people assume they are combat vets or falsely claim to be combat vets.
I also do not believe that most wars fought since the Korean war have much to do about defending freedom. The US is evidently leaving about 18,000 interpreters in Afghanistan, probably to be slaughtered. I fail to see how abandoning our allies in South Vietnam and Afghanistan defends freedom in the US. Rather, the sacrifices of our troops and their families
are mocked because those sacrifices were made in wars we never intended to win. While few will say it, I believe that many people, including vets, believe that those who volunteered for these wars are fools and the draftees are victims. Lack of moral clarity is to blame for the attitude of the man who sees the US Army hat as just a hat.
I let myself be drafted into the Army despite having a pregnant wife. Even I can't figure out whether I was a patriot or a fool. I can tell you that I was lucky and most of the guys I trained with were not lucky. Jeff
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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You are correct about the differences between the differences between combat and non combat. If you've ever seen Hamburger Hill it had a great line it that kind of defines it for me,"All I ask is you get your ass in the grass with the rest of us, you don't have to like but you gotta show up." You showed up, that doesn't make you a fool. Thanks for the six stars and I appreciate you taking the time to read and review this story.
Comment from Wendy G
I agree totally - and I am amazed that some-one would wear the hat who has not served. It is an insult to those who have served, and demeans their sacrifices. Well written entry for the 200 word story. Best wishes.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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I agree totally - and I am amazed that some-one would wear the hat who has not served. It is an insult to those who have served, and demeans their sacrifices. Well written entry for the 200 word story. Best wishes.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Thank you very much. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from Jay Squires
Your emotion is fairly bubbling with Patriotic zeal, my friend. Our country owes you its gratitude for your service, and you should wear your hat with pride and honor. When you say, in the footnotes that "* that is a picture of the actual hat," you don't mean the hat the other was wearing, do you?
Thank you, again, for your service, and for sharing this moving story.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Your emotion is fairly bubbling with Patriotic zeal, my friend. Our country owes you its gratitude for your service, and you should wear your hat with pride and honor. When you say, in the footnotes that "* that is a picture of the actual hat," you don't mean the hat the other was wearing, do you?
Thank you, again, for your service, and for sharing this moving story.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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That's a picture of my hat. Thank you. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from lancellot
Very interesting and nice tale about what the hat means to you. I'm glad no confrontation happened, because a free man in America chose to wear an article of clothing probably made in China. The hat is not part of any known uniform, so. It is like a baseball or football cap. People wear them but never played with the teams.
If someone gives people free stuff because of a hat, then maybe the problem is with them. Just saying.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Very interesting and nice tale about what the hat means to you. I'm glad no confrontation happened, because a free man in America chose to wear an article of clothing probably made in China. The hat is not part of any known uniform, so. It is like a baseball or football cap. People wear them but never played with the teams.
If someone gives people free stuff because of a hat, then maybe the problem is with them. Just saying.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from roof35
What a great tribute to veterans everywhere. And thank you for sharing your reason for weary "the hat." I wish you good luck in the contest. This an excellent entry.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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What a great tribute to veterans everywhere. And thank you for sharing your reason for weary "the hat." I wish you good luck in the contest. This an excellent entry.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Thank you very much. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from Raul1
A great glory for you wearing your hat because it represents freedom and liberty. I like your Short story. Interesting and unique. Excellent work! Good luck!
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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A great glory for you wearing your hat because it represents freedom and liberty. I like your Short story. Interesting and unique. Excellent work! Good luck!
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Thank you very much. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
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You're welcome.
Comment from Jane Graille
Thank you for writing this. Your voice and this piece are powerful in their brevity. I naively thought only veterans could obtain and wear these hats.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Thank you for writing this. Your voice and this piece are powerful in their brevity. I naively thought only veterans could obtain and wear these hats.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Thank you very much. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from Sally Law
I apologize I do not have six stars for you today, mystery writer. Thank you so much for your service and family's sacrifice. I'm forever grateful. My step brother was a Green Beret and served in Vietnam three tours. My other brothers served in different branches of the military, and my stepfather was a Marine Corps Major. As far as my ancestors, they served in WW1, WW2, the Korean War, and Vietnam, and in the Civil War, both Union and Confederate. It's hard to understand the man with the cap and his inability to appreciate this service and sacrifice given for our freedoms.
Thank you, again, and I wish you well in the contest, Sally :))
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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I apologize I do not have six stars for you today, mystery writer. Thank you so much for your service and family's sacrifice. I'm forever grateful. My step brother was a Green Beret and served in Vietnam three tours. My other brothers served in different branches of the military, and my stepfather was a Marine Corps Major. As far as my ancestors, they served in WW1, WW2, the Korean War, and Vietnam, and in the Civil War, both Union and Confederate. It's hard to understand the man with the cap and his inability to appreciate this service and sacrifice given for our freedoms.
Thank you, again, and I wish you well in the contest, Sally :))
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Thank you very much Sally, the virtual six means a lot. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from elchupakabra
and I'm sure it does to the 19 million living veterans In the U.S. (in the)
I also could write a book on this subject, I just don't think you would enjoy or agree with it. Thank you for sharing your story. Later daze.
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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and I'm sure it does to the 19 million living veterans In the U.S. (in the)
I also could write a book on this subject, I just don't think you would enjoy or agree with it. Thank you for sharing your story. Later daze.
Comment Written 03-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 04-Jun-2021
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Probably not but we're free not to agree with each other. Thanks you very much. I appreciate you tasking the time to read and review my story.
Comment from Alaskastory
"Not Just A Hat-Long Version" is a presentation well written and filled with true feelings. So glad you were able to use an actual picture of the actual hat. All done.
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2021
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"Not Just A Hat-Long Version" is a presentation well written and filled with true feelings. So glad you were able to use an actual picture of the actual hat. All done.
Comment Written 02-Jun-2021
reply by the author on 03-Jun-2021
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Thank you very much. I appreciate you taking the time to read and review my story.