Priority boarding for soldiers. Why?
May 26, 2013, 4:01 pm
#1
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Priority boarding for soldiers. Why?
Haven't used Amtrak for two years now. Yesterday at Chicago "active military personnel" were invited to board alongside babies, wheelchair users and the elderly. Does anybody know why?
May 26, 2013, 5:23 pm
#6
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Seeing where the OP is from... do Germans not recognize the contributions of their military members?
I read an article that it's actually quite unusual for British military personnel to be in uniform, as in it's "weird" in British society's eyes to wear a uniform in public unless acting under orders on official business. Much different than in the US.
I read an article that it's actually quite unusual for British military personnel to be in uniform, as in it's "weird" in British society's eyes to wear a uniform in public unless acting under orders on official business. Much different than in the US.
May 26, 2013, 9:45 pm
#7
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Seeing where the OP is from... do Germans not recognize the contributions of their military members?
I read an article that it's actually quite unusual for British military personnel to be in uniform, as in it's "weird" in British society's eyes to wear a uniform in public unless acting under orders on official business. Much different than in the US.
I read an article that it's actually quite unusual for British military personnel to be in uniform, as in it's "weird" in British society's eyes to wear a uniform in public unless acting under orders on official business. Much different than in the US.
May 26, 2013, 9:56 pm
#8
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That aside, that is the underlying reason for what you saw... a (albeit small) recognition of their service to the defense of our nation.
May 27, 2013, 4:15 am
#9
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I'm glad to see that Amtrak gives priority boarding to members of the military.
May 27, 2013, 10:10 am
#10
Join Date: Dec 2012
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Displays of nationalism and giving extra accommodation to military personnel are looked at very differently in Germany, as well as many other countries that have come out on the wrong side of recent history. You have to understand that people often used nationalism as an excuse or guise for carrying out horrific acts and we're still only a generation removed.
Not just Europe... Brazil and other parts of South America that have had military dictators in the last 50 years. You would never see the flag in every classroom or many yards like you do here. It's still looked at with hesitation there and usually the only time this is widely done is during something like the World Cup.
Anyways, I usually don't see the point of lining up to then board from a platform, but have no problem with giving military priority in line. It's a very minor way of saying thanks especially on Memorial Day. I could see how it would be odd or confusing to someone visiting from abroad though.
Not just Europe... Brazil and other parts of South America that have had military dictators in the last 50 years. You would never see the flag in every classroom or many yards like you do here. It's still looked at with hesitation there and usually the only time this is widely done is during something like the World Cup.
Anyways, I usually don't see the point of lining up to then board from a platform, but have no problem with giving military priority in line. It's a very minor way of saying thanks especially on Memorial Day. I could see how it would be odd or confusing to someone visiting from abroad though.
May 27, 2013, 10:31 pm
#11
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I do know that Amtrak Policy is to allow Uniformed Military Personnel to the Head of the Ticket Line as a Thank you. This also goes along with a 10% Military Discount. As for boarding in advance I would assume that would be in the spirit of Memorial Day. I wouldn't think it would make too much of a difference in terms of number of passengers boarding early (pre-boarding).
May 28, 2013, 2:40 pm
#12
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My daughter-in-law's mother is German and d-i-l has spent a lot of time in Germany in the past ten years. She has told me Germans have a low opinion of their own military, it's considered an career unworthy of well-educated people. It's not surprising that a German would think it's odd to recognize the contributions of active-duty military. Americans respect their military members differently than many nationalities.
May 28, 2013, 5:29 pm
#13
Join Date: Dec 2004
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It's the same in the US, but it's considered impolite to acknowledge it. Dick Cheney unwisely said out loud that he didn't serve because he had "other priorities", but most Americans have other priorities also.
The rest of us get to stay away from land wars in Asia, and they get to board first, a meaningless gesture. It's a good deal for us.
The rest of us get to stay away from land wars in Asia, and they get to board first, a meaningless gesture. It's a good deal for us.
May 28, 2013, 7:28 pm
#14
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Wow, seebuyfly. What an ungrateful and entitled comment, sounds like the kind of arrogance not seen since about 1968. You and Dick Cheney, indeed.
My son is a graduate of the Naval Academy, served 12 years as a Marine fighter pilot, and is now in the reserves prepping to go to medical school. He also earned a masters degree while on active duty. I certainly count him as one of the most educated people I know.
Yes, only 1% of the population serves in the military. But when push comes to shove the other 99% are mighty glad to be protected and defended. Your comment is even more arrogant coming one day after Memorial Day.
My son is a graduate of the Naval Academy, served 12 years as a Marine fighter pilot, and is now in the reserves prepping to go to medical school. He also earned a masters degree while on active duty. I certainly count him as one of the most educated people I know.
Yes, only 1% of the population serves in the military. But when push comes to shove the other 99% are mighty glad to be protected and defended. Your comment is even more arrogant coming one day after Memorial Day.
May 28, 2013, 9:47 pm
#15
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Priority boarding for soldiers. Why?
Dianne, I don't think the OP's implication is as you suggest.
Mods, it might be time to call the horse dead on this one.
Mods, it might be time to call the horse dead on this one.