“…to honor the fallen warriors who have died to protect our nation, our freedoms, and our way of life.”
“But I have a serious question that may make you uncomfortable: Did they really die protecting those things?”
“If you believe that every war we have ever started, engaged in, or supported was just, then your answer will be a resounding “Yes!” But I think more and more American are beginning to realize they have been lied to about many of these wars, especially all the wars the came out of the so-called “War on Terror.” Many of those Americans being war veterans just like myself.”
Source:
A Memorial Day Message From a Former US Marine
written by lucas gage
monday may 29, 2023
“Bacevich warns that Americans’ inability to be self-critical, to dissect and understand the litany of disasters that have followed on the heels of Vietnam, including decades of fruitless warfare in the Middle East, will have terrible consequences for us and much of the rest of the globe.”
Source:
BIDDING FAREWELL TO THE AMERICAN CENTURY
BY CHRIS HEDGES
MAY 26, 2023
Memorial Day Weekend
W.J. Astore
The best way to honor sacrifice is to seek an end to war and militarism
From 2015:
Each November, school teachers across America host Veterans Day assemblies– and promote the idea that The Troops are in distant lands- fighting for American rights and freedoms.
Growing up in the 60s & 70s- veterans were all around- church, school, Boy Scout leaders, family, the neighborhood, etc. It was all just an average thing. These folks weren’t seen as a separate part of American society.
In the 60s & 70s I never attended a Veterans Day assembly at school.
There were none.
Today, in Washington State, these assemblies are mandatory.
The VA tells teachers that The Troops are Defending Liberty and Freedom.
Back in the 60s and 70s there were probably enough veterans around to remove most of the mystique, or maybe those veterans thought it was all just an average thing and did not want to be seen as a separate part of American society, or get head of the line parking spots over at the grocery store.
People weren’t stepping over to say “Thanks for your service” to my Dad- who did time in the Navy in the 50s- but looked just like anyone else out in public.
These guys weren’t lining up for free dinner promotions marketed by major restaurant chains.
Where are the veterans who don’t want free meals, discounts, head of the line privileges at the airport, etc.
Original blog:
Growing Up In The Cold War Era
Possibly of interest:
2023 Memorial Day Military Discounts & Freebies
From back in 2012:
Memorial Day- long weekend/BBQ guilt trips
Related:
Hostile Forces in Distant Lands
Decades After The Lessons of Vietnam
Random Thoughts – Recruiting Crisis
Most And Least Meaningful Federal Holidays
Operating A Camera In A Public Place
Moving Towards A One Size Fits All Society – Climate And Environment
Why do we speak of the US Armed Forces as if they function as some sort of giant civil rights organization?
Freedom Comes And Goes – Joint Chiefs of Staff Play No Part
Photo-
Big driftwood at Point Partridge.
Looking up towards the San Juan Islands