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DrWatson · 70-79, M
I think of an uncle I never met. His first name was the same as mine (and the name of his father, my grandfather.) He volunteered for the US Navy in WWII, and he was killed when his ship was hit.
What gets me is my father's reaction. He generally expresses pretty conservative views, proudly displays the flag, is very big on honoring the military, etc. But when a military death hits close to home, his reaction is not what I would have expected from him. Not once have I ever heard him talk about how he and his family were proud of his brother, or anything along those lines. Instead, he keeps saying, "Why did he have to enlist? He was so talented! He could have done so much. What a waste!"
What gets me is my father's reaction. He generally expresses pretty conservative views, proudly displays the flag, is very big on honoring the military, etc. But when a military death hits close to home, his reaction is not what I would have expected from him. Not once have I ever heard him talk about how he and his family were proud of his brother, or anything along those lines. Instead, he keeps saying, "Why did he have to enlist? He was so talented! He could have done so much. What a waste!"