"We’re not quite as loud or noisy as that,” said Mike Carlton, the author of several books about Australia’s military history."
Posted on 11/06/2018 7:55:11 AM PST by Simon Green
SYDNEY, Australia — Australian military veterans recoiled at a government-backed policy that would allow them to board some commercial airlines ahead of other passengers, calling the move a political stunt that smacked of tokenism.
The government announced over the weekend that Virgin Australia would offer priority boarding to veterans and also make in-flight announcements to acknowledge their service, part of a broader push to give veterans, who use a new national ID card, discounts at supermarkets and department stores.
Critics, including many veterans, said the policy was at odds with Australia’s egalitarian national ethos. The notion of a veteran singling himself or herself out for special treatment, some critics said, was distinctly un-Australian. Others described it as something even worse: an Americanism.
“It’s a very American thing to do. We’re not quite as loud or noisy as that,” said Mike Carlton, the author of several books about Australia’s military history. “Australians are a little more subtle.”
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
We board military in uniform along with first class passengers after the elderly, infirm and children.
Never heard anyone describe Australians as, “subtle.” You usually hear them before you see them...
Oh boo hoo. Americans again are SO terrible. Everyone else is better.
Military in uniform I get,but all veterans——no.
.
I think that is why in the USA we make such a big deal of thanking military and veterans, to make up for that wrong and to stifle any leftists that would do it again.
When folks "thank me for my service", I respond, thanks, "now please don't vote for democrats, they hate our guts."
"We’re not quite as loud or noisy as that,” said Mike Carlton, the author of several books about Australia’s military history."
I can see honoring vets but the ones I spoke with are embarrassed sometimes.
Do we do veterans in America like that?
I’ve always heard the call for “active duty”.
“The Aussies probably didn’t go through the insanity of the leftists spitting on their troops and attacking them during the Vietnam war.”
Actually I believe the Aussie Viet Vets had it just as bad if not worse, based on my recollection of articles I read a few years back.
The last year or so I went out and got one of those Vietnam Vet caps. I found it uncomfortable people constantly saying “thankyou for your service”, or holding doors open, etc.
I do not expect special treatment, nor do I want it. I’m just not an attention seeker. The caps I purchased are now on the top shelf of my closet.
Now those in uniform, I do believe deserve recognition and respect above the run of the mill citizens.
With some airlines, all active duty military are invited to board first, not just those in uniform. Other airlines do not offer first boarding to any military.
In Australia, the option to offer first boarding to veterans should be left up to the airline, not government mandated.
I always say, "Thank you for your support." I actually feel awkward when people thank me for my service.
We don’t feel awkward for your having done so.
Yes, me too. Being thanked for my service is very nice gesture and truly appreciated, truly it is.
When thanked for my service I find my response (”thank you for the opportunity to serve, its been my honor”) recognizes their appreciation while at the same time allows me to express in a small way my own sense of appreciation.
No joke. You can hear 'em laughing half a block from the pub.
Ditto. For me, the USAF positions I held were just jobs.
Sure, never left the flight line for days during Operation New Life on Guam, but was never where anybody was shooting at me.
Them that's been shot at, and especially them that's been hit. deserve the real thanks.
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