11/11/2008 09:34:05 PM EST

A Veterans Look at Veterans Day

posted by ososkid

I wrote this today and sent it to my local paper as a letter to the editor. I thought it would be appropriate to post here too.

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As a veteran of the first gulf conflict I received many thanks this Veterans Day from well meaning people. Though these sentiments were all very genuine and heartfelt, they somehow always strike me as being hollow. As if a simple thank you can convey enough gratitude. Don’t get me wrong we should acknowledge the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform but all the waving flags and pomp and circumstance seem to do more to make those who did not serve feel a little better.  If you really want to honor those who have died for our country, try working for peace.


Those who died in battle did so in part, with hopes that others might not have to. To continue to send our sons and daughters into eternal battle is to dishonor the hopes of our heroes.


I believe that if the hand of god were to shine on any of the countless battle fields through out human history and raise its dead and give them a second chance, as they marched home back to the families they left behind, they might look back over their shoulders at the battle field and say, “lets not do this again”


Justin P. AKA ososkid

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A Veterans Look at Veterans Day | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)
Thank you (none / 0)
eom

"The eyelid is a joke"

by richardshort2001 on 11/12/2008 02:05:47 AM EST

It's totally hollow (none / 0)

Actions speak louder than words.  Our government has been the least respectful by not asking Americans to do their part while at the same time sending service members back for their third and fourth tours.  Oh, but George gave up golf, didn't he?

I really like Obama's idea of service for more Americans, in trade for educational opportunities.  I was glad that the website said they included not just young people, but also "aging boomers looking for an encore career," or something like that.  It is voluntary service, but I think it is a great idea.

May we never spill so much blood for false pretenses and the fear of diplomacy again.  When I think of the millions of family members whose lives were thrown into tragedy by this war, I just want to cry.

by desertpear on 11/12/2008 10:53:34 PM EST

oh (none / 0)
I meant service in terms of options that include activities like the Peace Corps as well as military service.

by desertpear on 11/12/2008 10:55:15 PM EST

[ Parent ]
Its not negative its realistic (none / 0)
It makes me sick to my stomach when i see the VFW and the American Legion suck up to republican politicians when they have never done anything for our troops to include John Mccain.  America has made it a point to screw over veterans every generation since WW2.  First we had a free ride for health care then we had to pay for it.  We had a free ride for dental then we had to pay for it.  Republicans love to use the troops for show, but never show any love when it comes to giving them more benefits. Remember when John Mccain was called out on his voting record by a Vietnam Vet in a town hall meeting he told the Vet that he must have his voting record mixed up with someone else.  I'm glad I survived but sometimes i wish i would have not made it so i could have lived to that point in my life knowing that America had my back than to survive to know that it dont.

by terrill on 11/12/2008 11:39:00 PM EST

A Veterans Look at Veterans Day | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)
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