Today is Veteran’s Day (or the weekday on which the government celebrates it). Thank you to all who serve, all who have served and to the families of both. Veteran’s Day makes me think of that speech by Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men:
Son, we live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by men with guns. Who’s gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom… And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives…You don’t want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don’t talk about at parties, you want me on that wall. You need me on that wall.
We use words like honor, code, loyalty…we use these words as the backbone to a life spent defending something. You use ‘em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I’d rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon and stand a post.
Over the top and misguided in light of what happened to Santiago (the dead marine), yes, but still true in terms of honor and duty. The military performs a necessary job and one I’m happy that someone other than me performs. Having spent 12 years living in the D.C. area (where there is a strong military presence) and now living in San Diego (what feels like the home of the Navy), I’ve developed a fundamental respect for people who serve. It’s the government officials who commit them to these assignments that upset me…
I also enjoy reading the romanticized version of military men in novels. The mention of a military hero in a romance novel conjures up certain qualities and characteristics. One of my early favorites (early as in one of the first I read) was MacKenzie’s Pleasure by Linda Howard. I like the MacKenzie series. I adored Zane and his book. A SEAL rescues a diplomat’s daughter, falls in love in about a day, she gets pregnant, they go on the run as he fights off bad guys. Loved it! Real or not, I love military heroes.
Anyone have a military hero fav?
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i have enjoyed reading Lindsay McKenna books with military heroes. She was writing these before the military hero became popular. Also Suzanne Brockman’s books.
by JOYE November 12th, 2007 at 4:13 pmWe had a huge parade today and everyone really cheered for the military when they came by on floats or in cars.
I fell in love with the MacKenzies. Linda Howard was the first military romance I read and I loved them. I don’t think I can pick a favorite because all the MacKenzie men have their own unique qualities.
I am thankful for all the real life heroes who protect our country everyday.
by Stephanie S. November 12th, 2007 at 9:33 pmjulie miller with her blaze and amy fetzer. happy veternas day to all and the miatary men and women.
by kim h November 12th, 2007 at 9:37 pmSuzanne Brockmann’s are the first ones I’d read, and she’s my all-time favorite military hero writer, but there are others, like Catherine Mann, that I enjoy as well.
by Stacy ~ November 12th, 2007 at 10:05 pmMayo, (Richard Gere) in An Officer and a Gentleman.
by Darlene November 13th, 2007 at 5:11 amI love Marliss Melton’s series on the SEALs. Her newest release “Next to Die” features my favorite military hero, Navy SEAL Joe Montgomery.
by Jane November 13th, 2007 at 4:32 pm