Remembrance, November 11th

[Tidus44]

As “that day” in November comes closer, I am a bit eager, but my anxiety increases as well. I don’t see or talk to those I look forward to meeting again on “that day”; only because our paths don’t cross all that often during the rest of the year. The depth of comradeship one feels in the company of brothers is a heady drug I do not like to miss. But, I also fear what the day will bring as I learn who is no longer present and more so why they are missing.

 

So I will shine my shoes, put on my best suit and carefully pin my ribbons and medals on and attend the ceremony of the day. Without fail, someone will tell me, “Thank you for your service”.

 

I will share an article I ran across recently that fully expresses how I feel when someone tells me, “Thank you for your service” and offer some advice on what one can and should do if they truly feel or have any concern for the welfare of service personnel and veterans.

 

When you thank me for my service, it disturbs me ... a lot. First off, it brings to mind my wasted youth and lost innocence, and the horrible and unnecessary deaths of good friends and comrades. Second, it reminds me of my responsibility and culpability for the pain and suffering I caused innocent people, again something I would rather forget, but cannot. Third, it reinforces my belief that you have absolutely no idea about the nature and reality of the wars in Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, because if you did, you would understand that thanks are inappropriate. Fourth, it reminds me that many of those who feel the need to offer thanks were apathetic about - or even supportive of - the war, while they refuse to participate themselves or did little or nothing to end it. And lastly, I have to admit that I doubt the sincerity of these expressions of supposed gratitude, as "Thank you for your service" is just something to say not because you care about what I did or sacrificed, but only to demonstrate your supposed good character, or patriotism and/or "support" for members of the military and veterans.

 

If you truly want to demonstrate your good character, patriotism, and support for the troops and veterans, rather than merely mouth meaningless expressions of gratitude for something you don't truly understand or care much about, do something meaningful and real. Do what is truly in the interest of this nation and of those victimized by war.

 

Make some demands.

 

Demand, for example, an immediate end to the corporate takeover of our "democracy" and to the undue influence of the military-industrial-Congressional complex.

 

Demand sanity in Pentagon spending and a reallocation of finite resources to people-focused programs such as health care, education and jobs rather than to killing and destruction.

 

Demand an immediate end to wars for corporate profit, greed, power and hegemony.

 

Demand that we adhere to the Constitution and to international law.

 

Demand accountability for those who make war easily and care more for wealth, profit and power than for national interest or for the welfare of their fellow human beings.

 

And finally, demand the troops be brought home now, and that they be adequately treated and cared for when they return.

 

So, should we meet on the street one day, do say Hello, or Fine day, and as you talk to me about your efforts to make this country and the world a better and more peaceful place in which to live, I would be happy to thank you for your service.

 

- Camillo Mac Bica, USMC ret.

 

I know some will be offended by this post and that may be and there isn’t much I can do about that; I’m not going to apologize for how I feel.

What I won’t understand is how someone would be offended by this post and not by the number of veterans living in poverty, suffering debilitating health and medical conditions and the number of veteran suicides - all ignored by uncaring governments.

 

So, have a wonderful November 11^th – I know many will have the day off – but maybe take a few minutes of that day to send a note to your Member of Parliament or Senator or Congressman and demand they show how they care with real action and not meaningless words.

[KaiserDeathIV]

What is the 11th November?

[bben46]

Originally it represented the end of WWI the war officially ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year 1918.

It grew into a day of remembrance for the losses in all wars and later into a holiday in the US, Great Britian, Canada and other countries. In the US it is Veterans Day, In UK, Remembrance Day.

You will see people wearing red poppies in remembrance on Nov 11.

[KaiserDeathIV]

Originally it represented the end of WWI the war officially ended on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year 1918.

It grew into a day of remembrance for the losses in all wars and later into a holiday in the US, Great Britian, Canada and other countries. In the US it is Veterans Day, In UK, Remembrance Day.

You will see people wearing red poppies in remembrance on Nov 11.

Oh okay. Im from Germany so that explains why i didnt know anything about that Rememberance Day.

[dpgillam]

Kaiser, While in Iraq, I had the pleasure of working beside a few German units. I was impressed with their profesionalism and skill.

 

I was wondering; I know Germany has one of the few functioning social healthcare systems in the world, and a system where some college is free. What do they do for veterans?

[MotoSxorpio]

:facepalm: