Congradulations!?

I don't know if this is sad or just weird?
Just saw this and can't decide if you have no choice? Or these people were forced into this...I mean come on guys....

The Graybeard Regiment, one Union regiment, the 37th Iowa Volunteer lnfantry, is largely, and deliberately, composed of old men. It's nicknamed the Graybeard Regiment.

The Unit of 914 men was assembled December at Camp Strong near Muscatine, Iowa. The oldest man is 80-year-old Pvt. Curtis King. Six men are in their 70s, including 72-year-old drummer, Nicholas Ramey. Another 136 men are in their 60s. Nearly all of the members of the regiment are over 45.