[asphaltgambler]

This thread really interested me as there was a discussion about this very subject on Monday with my co-workers. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW's ) actually make this distinction very clear in their literature. In order to 'join' you have to have directly served; in a time of conflict and be able to present document(s) to prove it. So to go to any VFW establishments and partake, you must have 'been there'.

My father, uncle and many of his close friends served in WWII, my oldest brother and a close friend served in Vietnam, a close relative of my wife is currently serving in the current conflict. They all had different levels of risk, dangers, responsibilities. In my eyes............... they all served our Country, each giving something unique of themselves, personal sacrifice...... and all knew that the possibility existed that they may not return home in one piece or at all.