Funny, yet.......Sad
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
The public that you say were so wrong and disrespectful surely didn't know Vets vs thugs. I don't blame them for not getting a closer look, is it really on them to see who is wearing which black vests, no. I would have avoided them also. In passing, most can't tell vets from the Christian biker club, to Hells Angels. All the clubs wear the same ****, not the public's job to see whos who... after the stupidity in Texas, you can't blame anyone.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 492
Likes: 20
From: The Town of Saint Joseph of Guadalupe
It is kind of sad that the these vets got treated this way, but I can see how the pirate uniform and the rough-and-tough look many Harley riders go for can scare those that do not understand the Harley culture.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Similar to whether people like "Merry Christmas". If I have to analyze if I think the recipient is going to be offended, than Screw it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 46,845
Likes: 22,534
From: Land of the Free, Home of Jack Daniel's
Rode the bike to work and stopped for a cup of coffee on the way at a 24 pump station. While there I heard the sweet rumbling of Harleys pulling in. There were 6 bikers rolling in to various pumps in full club colours and patches everywhere. All of them were 65 plus years old and looked kind of rough. The funny thing is that there several people who suddenly rolled up there Windows, stopped and locked there doors, and some even walked out of their way to go around them. To me it was just funny.
Now here is the sad part. Their colours........"Vietnam Vets". They probably all served and survived the war and were out trying to have fun. These guys like all veterans, fought for the freedoms we enjoy. To be treated, by peoplestheir actions, was just disrespectful
Now here is the sad part. Their colours........"Vietnam Vets". They probably all served and survived the war and were out trying to have fun. These guys like all veterans, fought for the freedoms we enjoy. To be treated, by peoplestheir actions, was just disrespectful
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5,763
Likes: 371
From: North of Hell, South of Heaven
I always assumed that if somebody wore a Viet Nam veteran hat or shirt, that they would appreciate being thanked for their service. I was surprised how many Vets complained that it made then bitter to be thanked by people who didn't serve, so that made me doubt that they appreciate being thanked.
Similar to whether people like "Merry Christmas". If I have to analyze if I think the recipient is going to be offended, than Screw it.
Similar to whether people like "Merry Christmas". If I have to analyze if I think the recipient is going to be offended, than Screw it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 4,214
Likes: 661
From: Prior Lake, MN
The last time I thanked a Vietnam vet for his service, he (repectfully) told me that he went only because he was drafted, did not like it one bit, did his duty and got out of the military as soon as he could. I said, thanks all the same, but also thanks for your honesty. He is a character................
Sometimes I wonder if some of the vets get tired of hearing the Thank You For Your Service- suddenly it seems like an automatic thing to say, like "God Bless You" when someone sneezes? just tossing that out. I have no military background myself, so I have no idea what the life was like for them, but I sincerely appreciate all who serve- Military, Police, Fire, Medical, etc.........
Sometimes I wonder if some of the vets get tired of hearing the Thank You For Your Service- suddenly it seems like an automatic thing to say, like "God Bless You" when someone sneezes? just tossing that out. I have no military background myself, so I have no idea what the life was like for them, but I sincerely appreciate all who serve- Military, Police, Fire, Medical, etc.........
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 340
Likes: 26
From: New Jersey
And, yes, welcome home.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 149
Likes: 3
From: Port Charlotte, FL
I don't see anything wrong or funny about the whole situation. The biker/vets left the people along and the people left the biker/vets alone. Isn't that what everyone wants?
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I always prefer "welcome home" over "thanks for serving". And a good handshake. Ran into a guy from out of town at the Dealer this morning who was wearing a Vietnam Vet patch. I said welcome home and stuck out my hand for a shake and this guy just got teary eyed and wrapped me in a bear hug. When he left I was leaving and he gave me a big smile and a wave before he headed off
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 13,023
Likes: 989
From: Just Outside Chicago
I always prefer "welcome home" over "thanks for serving". And a good handshake. Ran into a guy from out of town at the Dealer this morning who was wearing a Vietnam Vet patch. I said welcome home and stuck out my hand for a shake and this guy just got teary eyed and wrapped me in a bear hug. When he left I was leaving and he gave me a big smile and a wave before he headed off
