Today, it is important to take a moment aside from politics and debates to remember the men and women who served in the armed forces over our 221 year history. Brave souls who gave time and energy and in many cases their lives for a cause, but even more important than that to me - for today it is time to remember that they were living, breathing, loving people. They had families and friends. They had dreams and hopes. These men and women were just like you and I. They felt joy. They felt pain. Sometimes they triumphed, and sometimes they failed. They aren't just fallen soldiers to me on this day, they are much more important, they are men and women who lived and died. Today is not a day to remember the sacrifice they gave for me, that's everyday, today is a day to remember they were flesh and blood. Not to lament the loss of soldiers who ensured our freedoms, today I remember those soldiers had lives too. I never forget the sacrifices they made, but today, today is a day to remember not just their sacrifices, but them.
2 comments:
I concur. It is important to remember the humanity, the real lives of all of the soldiers that have died for the fundamental freedoms we enjoy. I am frequently very critical of US policies, both domestic and foreign (and for good reason), but don't think for a minute I don't value the very freedoms that allow me to do so. This, in fact, is the very reason I am so critical. We enjoy a great many freedom, and I believe that the ideal of America is one of liberty, fairness, justice, equality before the law, etc. And when I see these rights eroded or wxplited I feel that a few strong remarks are necessary. Moreover, given the recent climate of militarism and the daily loss of US soldiers, I think we ought to reflect on the sacrifices our troops have made, and make make sure to do what we can to ensure that these losses are always in defense of these freedoms and not for the cause of power, money, empire, or revenge.
I add my kudos, Brian. Well written, and very eloquent.
And Reed, while we may occasionally grumble over our opposing idealogies, I think we can both agree whole heartedly that the freedom of dissent, the freedom to disagree, is one of the most important ideals our country holds dear; an ideal paid for and preserved with the blood, sweat, and sacrifice of our servicemen and women.
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