Fifteen years ago, I began an article about Memorial Day by facetiously talking about what is conveniently ignored at barbeques on the last Monday in May. Here’s an excerpt from that piece:
Perhaps I could spend my day in quiet contemplation of the valiant heroes who unselfishly risk the agony of carpal tunnel syndrome as they push the buttons and/or computer keys to launch those cruise missiles into crowded Third World cities.
I owe my liberty to them…
Of course, I could instead dedicate myself to worshipping the gallant warriors who put their feet and toes on the line each time they repeatedly kick a prone, chained, and blindfolded prisoner at Gitmo. (Oops, did I say “prisoner”? I mean “enemy combatant,” of course.) These resolute patriots also expose their vocal cords to excruciating injury when they engage in the selfless daily practice of screaming at such evildoers. One can only imagine the mental strain of coming up with new epithets each and every day — day after day, year after year.
Thanks to them, I am free…
You surely get the idea by now.
If not, here are some posts of mine to revisit:
Of course, it doesn’t have to be this way, e.g.
Reminder: It doesn’t make you any less of a “patriot” if you expose and reject your country’s criminal behavior. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the most patriotic things anyone can possibly do.
I have had to disconnect the connection between the died and the country because I am a dissident and no longer a patriot. I believe many of the men were fighting for a nation and just happenned to be caught up in the politics of a government. I still love those men that I would share a beer with at the legion hall in my home town but I have disdain for the country that they died in the name of, even back then. All of those awful wars could have been prevented.
I see most grunt troops as victims. I will honor my son and forget about the war mongers who avoid serving, but don't care about sending others to slaughter, or be slaughtered.