One good thing

Watching the World Series Game 2 tonight, it was both surprising and uplifting to view the pre-game recognition of World War II veterans, who were also MLB baseball players.  True heroes like LtCol Jerry Coleman USMC Ret, the 1950 World Series MVP and a USMC pilot who fought in both World War II and Korea.  Then the MLB theme "Welcome Back Veterans" was commented upon.  As the large national flag was unfurled by members of our Armed Forces, the crowd stood and cheered.  (Quite remarkable, given the liberal bent of San Francisco.)  During the seventh inning stretch, God Bless America was sung by an Air Force Staff Sergeant.  Again, those in attendance stood, sang along, and cheered.

While as a nation we can debate the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, at least one good thing has come from these ten years of war.  The American people once again honor those who wear the cloth of our country.  No longer, as occurred during Viet Nam, do our people dishonor those who serve.  No longer are those who wear our uniforms subjected to mistreatment and disrespect from their fellow citizens, the very ones they serve to protect.

As a retired Marine, it is humbling and gratifying to observe at least one good thing come from the decade of war.  The American people again honor those who wear the cloth of our country, the men and women who volunteer to protect our great nation.

It would be terrific if the nation's President shared in honoring our men and women in the Armed Forces.