I have never really paid much attention to Veteran's Day. My family was very peace oriented and didn't want to "celebrate" war. Now before you all jump on me for being unloving of those that serve and die - my father was a veteran of the Korean conflict. He enlisted to get out of his small town and gain access to an education. If he wasn't a pacifist before he left for duty he was when he came back.
In fact, he never talked about serving. He would never say what he did, saw, or felt about it. To him it was an ends to a means - a poor kid trying to get a better start in life.
When he came back and the Vietnam war came into view - he was one of the early protesters in his suit and tie. He knew the horror of war and didn't want any other young man (at the time it was just men) to fight the battles of governments whose cause wasn't exactly clear.
So, needless to say, Veteran's Day and Memorial day were nothing more than days off from school.
I know that the shift has been made where we thank those who serve/served for what they sacrifice. And I do. I just think that there needs to be the realization that it is still poor kids who are fighting these unscrupulous battles. They come from Arkansas, New Mexico, Mississippi - and the countless neighborhoods where money is always tight. They want to make a difference in their lives and the military gives them that chance - but at what cost. Why are we sending our poor to fight wars that have no real end in sight.
I wonder if we would continue to do this if everyone was required to serve. If all of our sons and daughters had to go into conflicts that are less than exemplary would we be there?
