And there we illustrate one of the huge psychological differences between the two sides of the Atlantic.
On the European side, I can't recall anyone, other than at official remembrance ceremonies, wearing anything that bears reference to the war. On the American side, we appear to have a profusion of flags on private homes, the wearing of much military clothing and assorted regalia, not to mention the endemic love affair with firepower.
We had a decorated war hero of our own within the family, and never would he talk about anything to do with fighting; all I ever heard from him was about moments of reckless amore (not rape, I hasten to add) during the fighting across Europe.
Maybe for the non-combatants or even those of us with the years to remember, the vision of smashed homes, personal belongings lying in the remains of our own streets etc, removes the last vestige of glamour from anything to do with wars. Perhaps Europeans prefer to drive those spectres from their minds rather than shout them abroad. I guess if your country never saw itself in tatters, then you might have a different take and still view retuning warriors with a certain mix of showbiz glitz, respect and schmaltz.
Hey ho.
Rob C