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Tuesday, May 30, 2006

In Memory of...

As you may have guessed by now, I'm a bit of a contrarian in some ways.

While I like the sentiments that go behind celebratory days (eg, holidays, as well days that are celebrated but aren't holidays [Hallowe'en, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, etc]), I tend to dislike the idea that 1 day can or should encompass a sentiment, although it certainly brings much-needed attention and focus...

Which brings me to Memorial and Veterans' Days.

War is a terrible, terrible thing, no matter the reason(s) given to enter into it.

It is not a game, in spite of movies and books and videogames.

People, be they soldiers or civilians, die, are maimed, tortured, raped... they suffer, and they suffer horribly.

My opinion is that only governments win wars. Soldiers are the ones who must carry out the decisions made by government leaders, often at unimaginable sacrifice, and they and their families are the ones who suffer from their absences, mental/physicial trauma, and deaths.

War veterans also do not always receive the help and support they should and need.

Whether you agree with the government's policies or not, please think about the millions of men and women who have fought and continue to fight so that the rest of us can enjoy the many freedoms and privileges we have.

Surely their sacrifices are worth more than 1 day's remembrance? Don't just think about them yesterday, or today, or even tomorrow; think of them every day, think of their loved ones, and think of your loved ones, too.

My Soldier is a good group, and so is Operation Soldier for soldiers in the field to get support and supplies from civilians and others.

I also like Paralyzed Veterans of America.

posted by Cheshire Cat @ 5/30/2006 02:39:00 am

1 teabag(s) brewed:

At 31 May, 2006 00:35, The Phosgene Kid said…

Being a soldier (airman or sailor) is a big commitment. The deployments are tough on the family as well as the GI. I missed a lot of my kid's chidhood. That being said, I wouldn't change a thing...