Memorial Day is the day to remember the friends you have lost, and will never hear laugh at your stupid jokes again. And it is much more, but nothing I can describe on a blog, as both he and she were saints to me.
Please think of those who did not come back in C-130's, and more importantly, those who came back ruining for life from either physical or psychological injuries. War is cruel, disgusting, and entirely avoidable, if that is what you want.
To quote John, "All we are saying, is give Peace a chance." I truly wish the United Nations consisted of Mahatma Gandhi and John Lennon, and they had a chance to sit down and chat. The world would be a much better place.
Posted by tempus at May 26, 2007 11:30 AMI appreciate the service of dedicated soldiers, especially those who have given their lives in service to America.
Yet folks at home also give up their lives. Every billion dollars in federal spending costs 200 lives by increasing the risks of Americans. (Of course, some comes back in decreased risks.) So, the new war spending bill has essentially ordained 20,000 premature deaths. We juggle risks every day, but is this warrented?
We need leadership that understands war and economics--and the costs: lives
Posted by Dar at May 26, 2007 11:40 AMFor those men and women who are serving in Iraq I salute you!
Enduring tempertures now easily over 100 everyday this summer and breathing the dust of all that Depleted Uranium.
When the soldiers finally get back and Depleted Uranium is counted among the illnesses this country will go broke.
Hope your investments are safe muck, because "the butcher's bill" is coming due!!
Posted by Seven of Six at May 26, 2007 01:39 PMJust had a brief online chat with an old Vietnam vet friend who spent the morning at the home of one of the 'mothers in waiting' as he calls them. She is holding up well he says, living day to day in that limbo land families live in while waiting for loved ones to return from combat.
Today she heard from her son. He is concerned because he says there is a huge build up going on along the Iranian border and no one seems to know why. He said sleep is what he misses the most.
he says there is a huge build up going on along the Iranian border
Us or them?
Posted by phidipides at May 26, 2007 03:21 PMNot comfortable using the term "us" phid, but us it is.
Posted by mainsailset at May 26, 2007 04:51 PMgod. when are we going to stop letting tiny groups of weird boys with dick issues run and ruin our world? soon it's time for the vast majority – girls, all the guys who have better stuff than dick issues, kids – to rise.
and wrt Iraq, I am going to join those who bang the drum against the word war and for the word occupation. War is the bushco reptile brain word, occupation is the accurate description.
Posted by Sharkbabe at May 26, 2007 05:10 PMNot comfortable using the term "us" phid, but us it is.
Ahhhh. That explains the Mad King, idiot son of George, claiming there would be a drawdown in US troops in Iraq. They're going to Iran. It will be "shock and awe" all over again. Mission Accomplished!
Into the Valley of Death rode the 600. My, but won't it be glorious for the republi-cons.
Posted by phidipides at May 26, 2007 05:40 PMUS casualties are rising in part because the new surge plan has more troops scattered in isolated little units instead of massed in the relative safety of bases.
The real problem will come when the Brits pull out of the South as they cover the lines of supply coming up from Kuwait.
The Sadrists are now actively seeking alliances with Sunni's as nationalism begins to replace the sectarian fratricide.
These will be key factors in making the war even less doable than it now is and I am watching very closely for signs of insurgency build up to the next more dangerous phase.
A truely nationalist rising will be the worst possible outcome for us. It also is increasingly looking like Cheney will never get his Oil Law deal.
Posted by Chris Rich at May 26, 2007 05:48 PMChris....
Is it true the troops are calling Iraq "The Alamo"?
Posted by past,present,future at May 26, 2007 08:23 PMIs it true the troops are calling Iraq "The Alamo"?
One of my nutball ancestors was the only person to mount troops and try to relieve the Alamo. My name is on the Alamo. I can assure you, Iraq is no Alamo.
And so, to all my crazy ancestors, you are remembered on Memorial day. Those Indians who fought the French. Those Indians who got slaugtered by "Americans" and other tribes. Those who fought in the Revolutionary War. Those who fought in the War of 1812. Those who fought the Mexicans. Those who demurred from the Civil War and Indian Wars. Those who fought in Cuba. Those who fought in the great wars (I and redux). Those who fought in Korea (and largely stayed away from Vietnam). Those who fought in every stinking petty conflict (Grenada, Panama, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, etc.) To those who could move thousands of men and control the weapons systems we use. I remember you. I certainly remember you.
To SoS (a light, an inspiration, a person struggling to benefit the next generation of veterans), Tiki, tempus. Until you can be better served, I remember you.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
There are many more veterans who post and view these pages, yet I don't name them here. If I miss your name, please be forgiving. No slight is intended.
My thoughts stray to my Uncle, J.H., who died during the last week of WWII in a Bonsai. They said you were the brightest, most fun loving, "full of life" person a fellow could have ever met. All I could do today is put a flag on your grave and wonder about you. I think you and I would have gotten along very well.
You guys, and gals, are my heros.
Posted by phidipides at May 26, 2007 09:42 PMMany soldiers will come home with a hole where faith in government integrity was ripped out by craven cynical thieves and arrogant glycerine fools. Scar tissue will grow over it and new experience will crowd it aside, but the deep fundamental betrayal of American values personally felt by these profoundly patriotic men and women will never be redressed or even acknowledged by their culture, family, friends and lovers.
They will always stand a bit apart from the conventional celebration, commerce and community that denies their wound through ridicule and indifference. They will never quite fit in anywhere ever again. They will be America's most valuable citizens because they'll never stop asking, "Why?"
Posted by Pvt. Keepout at May 26, 2007 09:43 PMP-Dip, you have no idea how much it means to be honored, although we did what we did because we thought it would result in a better world. We were young and stupid.
If any of you can find it in your hearts, please forgive us. We didn't know what we were doing. It's a poor excuse, but it's the truth. No-one walks away from a war with clean hands. A few ribbons, but very bloody hands. If only we could be forgiven.
As usual with me, got up early this morning and thought about the day that lays ahead, of its meaning, and the below is what came to mind.
MEMORIAL DAY 2007
No matter what our persuasion
No matter what our thoughts
Regarding strife, battles, war
The stripping of many rights
The lies that lay still so untold
The, too obvious, grab for oil
And fears in this poor world
That madness holds the reins
Of crazed apocalyptic horses
Our hearts, minds, and souls
Can’ be, too far, from those
Who are, faraway, soldiering
Yet, witnessing all of this chaos
From the safety of our homes,
Witnessing all the destruction
The tumbling down of a nation
Elections to appease the world
Without any rhyme or reason
For, the elected, do not govern
Such things puppets do cannot,
The mind can, and does, forget
How many worries are at stake
Or, how many ideals are broken
Never, perhaps, to be regained
Their reasons, only God knows
For choosing to be paid soldiers
Though, many times one can see
What may be behind such move:
Buying a home, paying off a loan,
Education—putting food on tables,
The…why there are hardly any jobs
In this so fair market for the wealthy
Yet, meting ends is dark for the poor?
Ay… and at the end of it all, it all, it all
Lord! How very lonesome that it must be
To die so far from one’s venerated home…
PAZ a todos los seres de buena voluntad
Hoy, mañana, y siempre… PEACE
"They will always stand a bit apart from the conventional celebration, commerce and community that denies their wound through ridicule and indifference. They will never quite fit in anywhere ever again. They will be America's most valuable citizens because they'll never stop asking, "Why?"
Pvt. Keepout
"If only we could be forgiven."
Tempus
I read this and cried.
There is nothing to be forgiven for. Yet, many of those who went to war find it impossible to forgive themselves, which breaks the hearts of those who love and care about them. War experiences isolate a man in a way that no one can understood, and no amount of love from those around them can change the despair many carry. It is not only the sacrifice of oneself for cause or ideal in a war, but it is a sacrifice that many pay for their whole lives.
It is not the man who fought a war, but those who sent him, who need to ask for forgiveness. They are the ones that should carry the burden, not you.
Phidipides is right in saying "thank you for your sacrifice." Also, thank you veterans for the insights and information you post here on TLC. It is a very important part of helping many of us to understand what it means to be a veteran.
Judith. thank you for your thoughts. It made me cry, and I'm a SOB, to think that someone would actually care. I don't know what to say, except thank you, from all of us. It makes the day brighter, and the sky a lighter shade of blue.
Perhaps consider becoming a doctor, nurse or councilor at Walter Reed. Gawd, do the kids ever need you.
Tempus, thank you for your kind words, but it is I who thanks you.
Posted by Judith at May 27, 2007 04:36 PMThanks phid, I'm humbled!
Pvt. Keepout, That was a great comment.
quídam, Paz mi hermano.
Judith, Seven,
You're welcome; pass it on.
phidipides;
completely respect your families history regarding taking arms when necessary but you indicate you an assure me that Iraq is no "Alamo" yet you give no supporting evidence to the contrary,
According to a Newsweek article dated May 9th of this year it is titled "They Call It the Alamo" with the subtitle "The U.S. troops camped in troubled Al Fallujah find the aftermath of war tougher than they expected" (These particular soldiers are affliated with the 82d Airborne Division) If you read this specific article it will give you some indication of these particular soldier's up close and personal account are dealing with this Iraq campaign.
Also, I believe that if you go back into anyone's family history you will find in order to survive all of our ancestors had to defend themselves sometimes. I don't think there is anyone who doesn't pay homage to these people because they are the ones who we really owe our very own existence.