One of the most unfortunate aspects of the peace movement in the US has been the tendency against veterans. As I've said before in this forum, human civilization is evolving toward peace. We aren't there yet, and we need to work hard to progress. Sadly, we live in a time where many people have gone to war to defend noble things, and died in that pursuit. National leaders would do well to remember the human cost of violence before committing to war. But today, Memorial Day, is a day to remember those who have fought our wars.
Peaceful people may confuse the poor judgements made by leaders who have been aggressors, or have opted to turn to war when patience should have prevailed with those who served. This is not the day to discuss what wars may have been necessary to curb aggression, or to decry foolish wars. Regardless of the merit of reason, war creates hardship and tragedy. People who fight and die, whether for martial pride, patriotism, to escape poverty, or because of conscription, are people who left families, friends and communities behind. They were loved, and are fondly remembered.
I like Memorial Day, and how it is celebrated in the US. It is a day of rest, and starts the summer vacation season. It also allows us to pause and reflect over specific losses in our own hearts, or the loss suffered by everyone in the course of war.
The only thing that bothers me about Memorial Day is excessive jingoism. It is easy to recall the glory of war, and the patriotic fervor that accompanies military honor is too often an excuse to proclaim our march to war as righteous. I suppose it is just another reminder that there is a long road ahead to peace, and regardless of this aspect of honoring those who served, it is an important day to reflect.
I hope that everyone had a Memorial Day that afforded them the time to reflect on sacrifice and loss, and then perhaps have an enjoyable early summer holiday.
I wish you all blessings and peace.
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