Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth awarded the soldier who reprimanded him and members of his staff at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier a Joint Service Commendation Medal on Thursday.
Odd question to ask the day after Armistice Day. But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and bite.
Many western countries created a Tomb of the Unknown after WWI to honor the dead that never got counted or identified. This job is considered honorable because of the significance that it carries to the nation.
You gotta keep in mind that, back then, we didn’t have a standing army, it was a draft or nothing, so it was untrained boys that got called up and an entire nation that rallied behind them. (This is also the reason the NRA exists, to be a club that teaches citizens how to properly and safely use firearms, not the lobbying monstrosity it has become today)
Its only in recent times, especially the Bush eras, that the homefront carried on as if nothing was different while a war was on. That’s one reason they’ve been able to have forever wars, because it could fall into the backdrop of society behind Real World and the Kardashians so we would forget to give a fuck about what our troops were doing. (This is also why “Support the Troops” was more common 20 years ago, because it called back to a time when it meant something, even though we now know it means fuck all)
That wasnt how countries went to war back then. So because of the significance is why we allow that job to be considered honorable than most.
Because guarding the tomb is entirely symbolic, but it’s taken very seriously, and maintaining high enough standards to put yourself out there for scrutiny like that is hard as hell. Put the discipline and dedication required on top of all that and it’s very much a job worthy of respect, at least in my eyes
You should look into that position on wiki, it probably would give far more than any comments here. It’s very demanding, important symbolically, and it’s a huge honor for anyone to say they served it. It’s at the level of the King’s Guard in London, if maybe you’re more familiar with that.
Arguable. Many honorable people are remembered throughout time. Some cultures believe you never really die until the last person forgets your name. If I had to die at the hands of an enemy, I’d rather him respect me than die crying and begging for my life.
don’t worry if you don’t get it; this is one of those things people (americans, mostly) get super upset about for some reason. Can’t even say the robot gun dance is silly, for example.
Out of curiosity, would you say the same about ceremony in any other instance (e.g. religious ceremonies / rituals, military parades, etc.)?
Personally I don’t understand the need or desire for any of it, but I can at least understand that some people do feel that it’s meaningful. I wouldn’t walk into a synagogue or a church or a mosque and start being disrespectful during their ceremonies, even if I don’t personally see the value. It’s the same here - even if you don’t see the value, to them and a lot of others, it’s very important and meaningful. Being disrespectful of that is at best very rude.
I mean, it’s more closely akin to a cheerleading or dance routine than a military exercise, but also, it’s not exclusive to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or even to the united states. It’s all part of military drill, in many countries.
Why is his job honourable?
I can only assume you thought I meant Hegseth and not that soldier. Which I did not.
No I mean the soldier. Why is his job more honourable than any other job?
Odd question to ask the day after Armistice Day. But I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt and bite.
Many western countries created a Tomb of the Unknown after WWI to honor the dead that never got counted or identified. This job is considered honorable because of the significance that it carries to the nation.
You gotta keep in mind that, back then, we didn’t have a standing army, it was a draft or nothing, so it was untrained boys that got called up and an entire nation that rallied behind them. (This is also the reason the NRA exists, to be a club that teaches citizens how to properly and safely use firearms, not the lobbying monstrosity it has become today)
Its only in recent times, especially the Bush eras, that the homefront carried on as if nothing was different while a war was on. That’s one reason they’ve been able to have forever wars, because it could fall into the backdrop of society behind Real World and the Kardashians so we would forget to give a fuck about what our troops were doing. (This is also why “Support the Troops” was more common 20 years ago, because it called back to a time when it meant something, even though we now know it means fuck all)
That wasnt how countries went to war back then. So because of the significance is why we allow that job to be considered honorable than most.
Because guarding the tomb is entirely symbolic, but it’s taken very seriously, and maintaining high enough standards to put yourself out there for scrutiny like that is hard as hell. Put the discipline and dedication required on top of all that and it’s very much a job worthy of respect, at least in my eyes
You should look into that position on wiki, it probably would give far more than any comments here. It’s very demanding, important symbolically, and it’s a huge honor for anyone to say they served it. It’s at the level of the King’s Guard in London, if maybe you’re more familiar with that.
Less cool hat tho.
Exactly. They don’t even get the hats.
It’s a voluntary position and an honor. It’s a boring, painstaking job. You’re doing it to honor fallen comrades.
Mass effect had it right
“Stand in the ashes of a trillion dead souls and ask the ghosts if honor matters. The silence is your answer.”
It’s all just a dog and pony show but there is still no reason to go there and be disrespectful.
Their service as guards can help bring some level of comfort to grieving families, so I don’t find it entirely pointless.
Honor is for the living, not the dead.
Arguable. Many honorable people are remembered throughout time. Some cultures believe you never really die until the last person forgets your name. If I had to die at the hands of an enemy, I’d rather him respect me than die crying and begging for my life.
Yes, but it’s only the people remembering who are affected, not the ones who are dead.
they didn’t make that comparison
don’t worry if you don’t get it; this is one of those things people (americans, mostly) get super upset about for some reason. Can’t even say the robot gun dance is silly, for example.
See?
When did honoring the dead and showing respect become an American thing?
Just can’t help yourself can you.
the robot dance is silly though, admit it.
Out of curiosity, would you say the same about ceremony in any other instance (e.g. religious ceremonies / rituals, military parades, etc.)?
Personally I don’t understand the need or desire for any of it, but I can at least understand that some people do feel that it’s meaningful. I wouldn’t walk into a synagogue or a church or a mosque and start being disrespectful during their ceremonies, even if I don’t personally see the value. It’s the same here - even if you don’t see the value, to them and a lot of others, it’s very important and meaningful. Being disrespectful of that is at best very rude.
yeah I think those ceremonies are inherently silly as well
not saying you shouldn’t be respectful and quiet but the way those soldiers do the overly robotic rifle check and salutes and stuff is mental
I mean, it’s more closely akin to a cheerleading or dance routine than a military exercise, but also, it’s not exclusive to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier or even to the united states. It’s all part of military drill, in many countries.
Your question was fine. Ignore the downvotes.