Growing up in the 60s & 70s- veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
KOMO News video: Nine military vets were treated to a supermarket shopping spree in Lakewood.
Is there a perception that people who did time in uniform are needy or disadvantaged? This news report gives us no hint as to how these veterans were selected. Was this a publicity stunt for the local NFL team? Newspeople play along by not asking questions.
Another story with zero information or reporting on how these families were selected:
Military families get surprise $1,300 grocery shopping spree
From comments: “Thank you for supporting our troops. More company’s need to help out our troops.”
ABC News video:
Retail marketing strategy update:
Veteran hassled over veteran parking spot at the grocery store.
Veteran reports incident to store manager.
Veteran returns to store to get thanks for his service, a cake and $100 in gift cards:
“This person who wrote this note on my car was given that right to be able to do that because of what I did.”
People in uniform give rights?
More here:
Cure the Military-Civilian Divide?
Don’t be shy- go & get yourself a couple of free meals- it’s a proud thing:
More here:
Goodbye Armistice Day – Free meals and deals for Veterans Day 2016
This may all be some sort of post-Vietnam guilt at work. The guilt doesn’t seem to work towards shutting down failed wars that never end.