William White wrote:
>
> Shannon Dawdy wrote:
> >
> > Dan,
> >
> > I'm not sure that Chris' response was necessarily a "feel-good" conclusion
> > so much as a more refined, "interesting question."  The next step would
> > be to go out and try to confirm or deny his suggested interpretation
> > through ethnography and ethnohistoric research.  The former would be
> > particularly easy here.  I don't think post-modern archaeologists screw up
> > so much in asking these kinds of questions, but in not going far enough to
> > answer them.  Obviously, archaeology alone has its limitations.
> >
> > The whole resistance and re-appropriation of symbols also got me thinking
> > about my dad, a PTSS Vietnam Vet.  He and his buddies wore their dog-tags
> > well into the eighties, while spitting venom at the U.S. govt. and military
> > that betrayed them.  What does that mean?
> >
> > -- Shannon Dawdy
>
> Shannon:
>
> The "dog-tags" of which you mention are a symbol of botherhood, shared
> experiences not soon forgotten, solidarity against what some perceive as
> an unjustified war, and a badge of honor and internal pride.  Although I
> no longer where my tags, I carry them on my key chain as a reminder.  To
> me they represent my duty as an American born citizen.  The tags mean
> many things to their owners, my dad still has his from WWII, but most of
> all they say we served.  Thanks for reminding me....ww
 
The dog tags issued by the military were worn to identify the corpse of
one killed in battle. With the mouth opened, the end with the little
notch was to be wedged between the teeth to prevent loss of inentity.
Been there. Done that.
Ron