I can't remember which thread I read it in, but about a week ago there was a mild argument about the brilliance/stubbornness in sticking with the AR-15 for use for mountain combat. The M4 is small and light, and someone pointed that out as an important justification for its use. I think a AR10.243 in carbine configuration is one helluva improvement, though slightly heavier.
Someone chipped in, "so? my dad humped a Garand across Europe" to point out that making the weight sacrifice isn't too big a deal.
Well, that sentence has been on my mind every day since, and made me think of the effort and sacrifice our vets have made. I can't describe their effort, and my appreciation for them, in a way that will do them justice.
The thought of that phrase has brought tears to my eyes on several occasions so far.
I'm too young to have been around during those wars, in fact I'm too young for even Viet Nam. Nothing I read in history books and watched in movies could movies has moved me as much as that line, "my dad humped a garand across Europe".
I can't wait for the next veterans day parade for me to thank every person who so proudly wore the uniform and went to war to fight for not just America, but for people everywhere.