MY observations.
May 17th 2012 | 3:38 am
#121
Proudly Deplorable
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 24,249
From: Alloha snack bar
Re: MY observations.
Fully agree Chris.
I am always reminded of David Niven when people mention patriotism. He was firmly settled in the USA with a great career as an actor and a beautiful wife when WW2 started. He could have sat it out - he was over the age limit for conscription anyway.
Instead, driven by patriotism and the desire to do what was needed and right, he returned to the UK and tried to enlist.
He was repeatedly turned down due to his age, when finally someone took him on in the army. They probably expected him to have a desk job.
He worked his way into the Commandos and to the rank of Lt Col before the war ended. His acting career suffered from the gap, but he never seemed to consider the sacrifice he had made. His wife died the year after he returned to the USA. He never complained about the lost years with her either.
He did the right thing as a patriot. Its trendy right now to deride patriots. Those who do don't hold a candle to men like Niven.
I am always reminded of David Niven when people mention patriotism. He was firmly settled in the USA with a great career as an actor and a beautiful wife when WW2 started. He could have sat it out - he was over the age limit for conscription anyway.
Instead, driven by patriotism and the desire to do what was needed and right, he returned to the UK and tried to enlist.
He was repeatedly turned down due to his age, when finally someone took him on in the army. They probably expected him to have a desk job.
He worked his way into the Commandos and to the rank of Lt Col before the war ended. His acting career suffered from the gap, but he never seemed to consider the sacrifice he had made. His wife died the year after he returned to the USA. He never complained about the lost years with her either.
He did the right thing as a patriot. Its trendy right now to deride patriots. Those who do don't hold a candle to men like Niven.
May 17th 2012 | 10:08 am
#122
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,323
From: Amongst Melbourne's tall gum trees
Jimmy Stewart
May 17th 2012 | 12:17 pm
#123
(It's not my real name)
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 12,469
From: Ilukapool. WA
May 17th 2012 | 12:35 pm
#125
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 16,623
From: Hill overlooking the SE Melbourne suburbs
