What about those who waited for their loved ones to return from some da-ned war, often in vain? And it is not just about WWII.
What about the surviving wives and parents of those dead you honor? Shouldn't we hoist a few to them too, those who sacrificed so much for something so useless?
What about those who came back so injured that their lives were never the same before they left for war, and in many cases found little help to put them right? Shouldn't we hoist a few to them too?
What about those who returned horribly tortured by the horrors they saw to the extent that they sleep no more than a few hours unless sedated.? No external wounds, no purple hearts, "just" depression and often suicide.
What about those who came home expecting help from a grateful nation only to find that they were called baby killers and worse in the press, and when they seek information to heal their ills caused by chemicals used in the war, they are called crazy until enough people raise their voices that the wonderful govt. admits that things like Agent Orange and depleted uranium in weapons do cause harm, and then still try to do nothing about it but make more of that sort of crap? Many have already died while waiting for help and research results.
And they all went to war or stayed behind waiting, so some old men and "captains of industry and politicians could get a little more powerful and richer. And then they raise our taxes to pay for their da-ned wars so we pay, and pay, and pay, in lives, in pain, and with our livelihoods. Those politicians and CEOs of companies that supplied war materials, and got rich off the blood of our populace, are so eager to honor the war dead. They are dead and there is no other use they can be put to but to drum up patriotism.
Maybe instead of toasting the dead, we raise our glass or can or whatever and swear
NEVER AGAIN.
And before you think I am some weirdo activist, I was stupid enough to go to Vietnam three times thinking I was making a difference. I have gotten older and smarter since then, and seen which way the wind do blow.
And I urge all young people to stay away from the military as a career. That is no place for an intelligent person ,in the absence of a draft. Let the old men in Congess and the presidency and the leaders of industry go fight their da-n wars.
Carolynn
Take a few minutes to remember and tell your children what this day really means. Hoist one while at your bar-b-que or however you are enjoying your weekend for those who have passed while serving our country.
