Guilt about military modeling?

I built models as a kid, way before I went to Vietnam. I just thought that military hardware was the coolest stuff around. History and facination with these machines is the root cause of my addiction. The military subject matter, that is, replicating machines designed to kill our fellow man, seems to me to be a perverted motivation. The real thing is the real thing, and we should all divide this fact from what we do. Craftsmanship and art are the points of satisfaction. I doubt whether German Armor model enthusiasts are Nazis. I doubt whether someone building the Memphis Belle takes any satisfaction as to the effect of her bombs, and so on. I think we can pursue what makes us happy in life without worry, I know I will.

I only wish that what is being said in this thread could be published and become part of the education of todays youth Each and every one of us that model historical war remember why it was fought and what price was paid
As I said in another thread was that over 70% of Americans do not know the significance of Memorial Day Modeling will help keep alive the rememberance of those that died for us. I am a 31 year veteran and I thank all those that served before me and those that are serving now I am proud to have you of the forum part of the life style I prefer to live Thank you all

Richard

I guess whenever I have had this topic brought to my attention, I give the same answer I have given for 25 years. Jim Dunnigan, former editor of Strategy and Tactics, stated in an issue something to the effect that '...if I was a researcher and built models of cancer cells, would I be a cancer monger'. I cannot find the exact quote in the very disorganized bookshelves, but the idea is the same...we do this thing (plastic modeling, whether armour,aircraft, ships; or wargaming whether board or computer) to learn, to understand, and definitely not to destroy.

I'm planning to take over the world, and use my models to develop new technology and strategy. I need a few field marshals. Any volunteers?

I have always loved airplanes, their paint and markings. I thought the Defiant was a neat plane before I saw a good representation of it, or found out what a failure it was. I don't think military modeling is wrong, a glorification of war, or anything else. Ban military history books. People reading them might be tempted to actually recreate the events depicted in the books. We are all sooo gullible.