Mackubin Thomas Owens of The Claremont Institute on Veterans Day 2002
Today when we think of veterans, we often have in mind the "greatest generation," the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines who fought World War II and who now are passing rapidly from the scene. Their story has been told by historians like the late Stephen Ambrose and in innumerable films, from Guadalcanal Diary to Saving Private Ryan. They have, especially in recent times, been the object of particular affection.
Those who fought in Vietnam have not fared as well. This is largely because those who shape popular culture today are often those who avoided service in Vietnam, and transferred their loathing for the Vietnam War to those who fought it.
Unlike many veterans, I won't presume to pass judgment on those who didn't serve. We all choose our own paths and those of us who wore a uniform are no more American than those who didn't. We're all Americans, with different experiences. No better, no worse for the uniform.
That said, here's a big OOH-RAH to my fellow Marines today!