The discussion centers around the passing of Frank W. Buckles, the last living US veteran of World War I, and reflects on the experiences and memories of veterans from both World Wars. Participants share thoughts on the significance of Buckles' life, the nature of military service, and personal anecdotes related to their own family members who served in the military.
Participants generally agree on the significance of Buckles' life and the broader implications of military service, but there are multiple competing views regarding the reasons veterans may or may not share their experiences. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the emotional states of veterans and their willingness to communicate about their pasts.
There are limitations in understanding the personal experiences of veterans, as many participants acknowledge that their family members have not shared their wartime stories. The discussion also reflects varying perspectives on the psychological effects of war, which remain complex and nuanced.
This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the psychological impacts of military service, the historical context of World War I and II, and the personal narratives of veterans and their families.
According to Washington Post, an Australian man, 109, and a British woman, 110, are still around.Insanity said:Curious, I know there was a WWI vet in my wife's hometown, wonder if he passed a few years ago.
arildno said:According to Washington Post, an Australian man, 109, and a British woman, 110, are still around.
Not to mention spending several years in Japanese prison camps after being captured in the Philippines during WWII. Buckles was a man with a history.flyingpig said:Wow wow wow. This guy somehow made it to through a battlefield of infinite bullets passing him and he has lived up to 110, which is like not even normal people can?
What happened to malnutrition during war? Lucky man lol
It might be that your Grandad is more ashamed of his state of terror at the time being, than of the simple fact that whatever emotional state he was in at times, he still should feel pride at his war service and his due recognition, not the least from himself, that he was a hero.Futurama said:My Grandfather, born in 1918, served in World War II (not WWI obviously) but I have never been able to talk to him about it. I've never met a veteran willing to talk about his/her experiences in combat. I've always loved listening to a soldier's recollection of a firefight and was so fascinated at how vivid the moment was to them. Those moments of combat carry in their minds for the rest of their lives and they carry the first hand account of what happens out there. I don't know how many years my Grandfather has left, but I sure hope he will be willing to talk about it before he passes.
arildno said:It might be that your Grandad is more ashamed of his state of terror at the time being, than of the simple fact that whatever emotional state he was in at times, he still should feel pride at his war service and his due recognition, not the least from himself, that he was a hero.
Never having been in a war, I still think if I were in the midst of it, exceedingly shameful moments of, say, uncontrolled bowel movements, is not an uncommon phenomenon that I might be subject to.
Other indicators of personal "cowardice" might be equally unpleasant memories.
War is hell, I think, and perhaps you should respect your Grandad's reticence.
Not because he was not a hero (I'm sure he was), but because it forced upon him insights into what he regards as weaknesses in his own person, and therefore is unwilling to communicate to others.
Oh, I think you misunderstood what I meant. I never once pressed him to talk about it. I would never do that. And above all, I do think he deserves the respect. He is a great man and I would not pressure him into anything.