I can't change my own feelings on this. As I wrote previously, it leaves me feeling queasy. It's another American oddity. I have the greatest, and enduring, respect for all soldiers, sailors and air force personnel of both sexes who fought alongside Britain in World War 2, they're almost all gone now. The military today, in what passes for "peace-time", is a completely different animal.
Anyway, not to labour a point, or maybe it does "labor" it, (pun intended) I've picked out a few video songs to honour those who seldom get a "thank you for your service", and who deserve it as much as those in the military these days. First, one for the guys I feel deserve empathy and praise and "thank you for your service" now and in years past. The coal miners. They kept us warm, they fuelled trains, industry......and yes, we know now that coal has not been helpful regarding global warming, but we were darn glad to have it back in the day. Men risked their lives every day, all their working lives to dig the stuff out of the ground. Many died in the process, many others suffered work-related diseases.
A Working Man sung here by The Dubliners
This, by Bruce Springsteen, was written as a tribute to the fire fighters of nine-eleven, but it can apply to all who risk their own lives to save others.
Two for all the moms and dads working 2, or more, jobs to keep food on the family table - She Works Hard for the Money- Donna Summer; and Nickled and Dimed from a documentary movie American Ruling Class
For doctors, surgeons and nurses - hey it's not their fault the insurance corporations have the USA by the short and curlies.
For teachers (of both genders) - Lulu, To Sir with Love:
For all office workers doing stuff we might not realise has to be done:
And a special one for anyone else who never, ever, gets a "thank you for your service":
