slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Last November, I made a trip to the west coast. Primarily, I was there to see my son, his wife and our new grandson. I also took advantage of the trip to attend a Khe Sanh reunion with many of my Viet Nam buddies and others who were at that siege and major battle during the Tet Offensive of 1968. In order to coordinate with Veteran's Day and the USMC Birthday, our reunion was in San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Ca. On our visit to Pendleton, we had the opportunity to mingle, meet and socialize with some of America's finest for an entire day. Each of us 'old salts' left feeling comforted and secure in our belief that today's Marines and military are as fine a group of young men and women as our country could ask for. That visit reminded us, once again, that Americans always come to the forefront when circumstances might suggest, to some, that our country is in trouble.

On that trip, I took the opportunity to visit as many OPP posters as I could whom I was aware of on the route to and from those destinations. In similar fashion, this last May I took a trip east to attend a granddaughter's high school graduation in eastern Georgia. While heading to and from that destination, I again took advantage of my trip to visit yet another group of OPP posters. In light of both trips, I can say without hesitation that each was filled with memorable friends, visits and events that I will carry with me 'til my dying breath. I could not thank any of you nearly enough for the chance you provided for sharing time together. Each of you were absolutely wonderful!

Combined, my trips allowed the opportunity to meet over a dozen members of the OPP forum. Allowing myself to make a personal observation/evaluation, that group ranged broadly from conservative to moderate to liberal thinkers. Each was gracious and hospitable towards me, and all proved to be enjoyable company. I might add...each lady was exactly that, and the gentlemen were just that...pure gentlemen. Just as noteworthy was my impression that each shared a common thread of being a proud American. As an American, I felt as proud of them as I did of my former unit and Veterans, albeit in a different way. I would be remiss if I did not mention those who could not meet on my trip due to circumstances, and the many with whom I have shared PMs, or had met in other trips. I have no doubt that any meeting between us would have proven just as memorable as the ones I shared with others.

I write all this after yet another episode of disappointment in reading so many vitriolic and bitter comments on the forum towards one another. I truly believe if we all had the same opportunity I did to meet, we would find so much more in common than we may possibly realize. I refuse to give up on my belief in the overall goodness of Americans and of our country. Likewise, I do not hesitate in my belief that we, as a nation, will survive our greatest fears.

I close with a quote attributed to Harry Truman...one of my favorite sources for quotes..."I have no desire to crow over anybody, or to see anybody eating crow...figuratively or otherwise. We should all get together and make a country in which everybody can eat turkey whenever he/she pleases." :wink: :thumbup:

SEMPER FI :!:

CowboyMilt

Good report I sense that the West & East had it's differences more than you indicate. You seemed to want to be even or so with them, maybe it's just me.

Scoop Henderson Loc: The Rez, (I am from Egypt)

Join or die.

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Very nice things to say and I really liked the Quote from Harry Truman. I was only an era vet and it took me many years to accept that my service made me a veteran. I stayed in the States but I did my part. Thankyou and all your friends who went into battle.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

Milt, I saw people in every state between Texas and California, and every state between and Texas and Virginia, including them as well as Tn., S.C., N.C., and Arkansas. I did not, however, make it to Florida...too far out of the way! It was hardly an 'East Vs. West' comparison...only a summation and evaluation of those with whom I met.

I will admit to trying to get along with people of differing opinions/viewpoints than I. I found, long ago, that most people who share a 90% or more view of the world find ways to argue over the 10% with which they disagree. I find that a waste of time. To each their own. I learned years ago not to try convincing others of my own self-righteousness. It only invites their trying to do the same towards me. :lol:

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I will stay, simply...a proud American Patriot. :wink:

eagleye13 Loc: Fl

Nice letter. You met nice honest people of differing views.
I think it comes down to the heart; as to having honorable views and intentions.
We all can't be Right:-)
That was a joke !!!

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

As we all know...with few exceptions, every Vet did exactly what they were told or ordered to do. It was rarely for them to decide. You have earned as much as anybody the title of Veteran :!: And, Tom, knowing you as I think I do...I would have been proud to have you beside me in battle. I would also be pleased, someday, to have a brew...or more, with you. :thumbup: :mrgreen:

Searching Loc: Rural Southwest VA

:thumbup: Amen, and you know, speaking for myself, I wouldn't have traded your visit for anything in the world. It has prompted me to make plans for at least one trip in the not so distant future. Perhaps, if more were willing to 'take the chance' and actually get to KNOW one another, 'beyond the screen', it would change how we view others and, for that matter, how we communicate.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

I took it as a joke, Eagleye. :wink:

You are right, IMO. I truly believe all on the OPP are possessed of honorable views and intentions. This, in contrast to what others may think of them. 8-) I remind myself that some likely think as highly(?) of my views as I sometimes do of their's:!: :lol:

lpnmajor Loc: Arkansas

:thumbup: Very insightful and clear. I think, that if everyone was as open minded and had such a "live and let live" attitude as you do - there'd be a lot less vitriol thrown around and a whole lot less bitterness.

BTW, I concur with your assessment of today's young military people. I try to talk to everyone I see that might be military and certainly to those in uniform and, without exception, they were proud of the uniform they wore and the service they were a member of. I find it remarkable that they can rise above, and even ignore, all the drivel the rest of us seem to thrive on. These kids are clear headed and mission oriented and will do wh**ever is asked of them - just like those who once tread the decks before them.

I couldn't be more proud of them if they were my own blood, but then, they kinda are.

PoppaGringo Loc: Muslim City, Mexifornia, B.R.

A very lovely post, Boot. I am proud to say I consider you one of my best best friends. You are the embodiment of most Americans.

Semper Fi.

slatten49 Loc: Lake Whitney, Texas

How proud I am to be considered as such, my friend. :thumbup: Semper Fi :!:

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

most appreciated. Nixon signed the moratorium while I was in basic training.

fiatlux

Seriously, I have never in my life, with my great education and degrees, found anything greater in words than this post. I am really in awe (and very jealous).