In another thread a poster had some differences with a Viet-Nam Veteran. If you'll allow I'd like to share some positive experiences with just two veterans in my life.

Matt Kennedy is a past commander in the Coast Guard Auxiliary unit I'm with. I first met him about 10 years ago when I was filling out my application. I was making polite conversation with this tall white-haired gentleman with a thick Scottish brogue. "Are you from northern England?" I ask, not wanting to offend him by asking if he were Scottish. "I was born in England, Sussex" I finish.
"Och! The only good thing that comes out of England is the train to Edinburgh" he responds with a glint in his eye. I knew from that point we'd have some fun.
Matt flew bombers during WWII, Wellingtons & Liberators. And how he loved his B24's. He'd rhapsodize about the speed and power, he would regale of his exploits in England and over Germany.
When I started wearing kilts this year Matt was so enthusiastic. When i'd wear them to HQ he'd take photos, if he didn't have a camera handy he'd ask me to email a picture. I asked him why he doesn't wear his kilt because the Kennedy tartan is so garrish (we're always playing the English/Scottish war) he responds that he has never worn a kilt in his 87 years but he has worn trews! Yet he so enjoys seeing me in mine, thanking me when I wear one.
Matt is a very close friend and mentor.

The other close veteran in my life is my father Sid. He enlisted in the Royal Navy at 15 and served for 15 years. He fought in battles in the Atlantic and was torpedoed in the Pacific. His stories (although reapeated more often now as if for the first time) tell us only stories of fun and funny in a time of war. Very seldom would his stories accidentally veer off to the horrors of war but when they did they would just as quickly be brought back. My brother and I thought that war must be so much fun! I guess this was his way of protecting his two sons since we were old enough to listen. He was 43 when I was born, a six year war and a first marriage delayed my arrival. his first grandchild, my son was born when he was 76. I feared that my kids may not know their grandfather so my brother and I finnaly convinced dad to write his memoirs. It took him a year to do it, none of us have read it. When the time comes that my father does pass, we will be able to remember him and to finally learn from all his experiences.
I am happy to say that both these gentlemen are still very active and healthy in spite of their advancing years. I've tried to express my gratitude for their sacrifices that they made for me twenty odd years before my birth. I am proud to know them. Because of them and others I owe my freedom.

To all veterans out there, thank you. You too are heroes, true heroes. to those who have an opportunity to sit a talk with a veteran, first buy them a drink and listen. If they talk of only fun times their is a reason. Don't push just understand.