11-11-2017, 09:28 AM
Today, at the 11th hour or the 11th day of the 11th month we remember those who sailed on troop ships to (then) far away Europe and joined with other "allied" western countries to defeat the "Hun" who would have occupied the democratic societies they feared.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row...
The "war to end all wars" only set the stage for another. And another. Today, at the 11th hour on the 11th day in November 2017, some 99 years later we are sending our young people to distant lands to be maimed, disfigured, and die. We now ask for volunteers rather than conscripting, and while they are in those far away places in the sand and rocks facing groups of radical militants we at home sacrifice little unless we have sent loved ones.
We should think hard and long about our foreign policy that directs our military to these engagements. The blood and treasure we sacrifice is precious and we must be sure of our goals.
There is no doubt we must oppose and fight militant terrorists. But, many are questioning our "fighting the last war" in sending land based military units to confront this evil, when other informed and experienced professionals think smaller special units, highly trained and pointed to specific targets would save lives and horrific wounds.
We should thank our Veterans today. And perhaps we should be less enthusiastic in encouraging our young people to take up arms and risk those precious lives in a fight so unlike the the one the ended on 11/11/11.
Let's thank those who have served. Let's inform ourselves of the options that might require fewer young people, and less treasure, to fight this very different war.
And too, while we thank all those who have served, if we know those who have faced enemy fire and all to often deal with the after effects of that experience, maybe we could extend a special warm and prolonged thanks for that service. It was costly, and often remains so.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row...
The "war to end all wars" only set the stage for another. And another. Today, at the 11th hour on the 11th day in November 2017, some 99 years later we are sending our young people to distant lands to be maimed, disfigured, and die. We now ask for volunteers rather than conscripting, and while they are in those far away places in the sand and rocks facing groups of radical militants we at home sacrifice little unless we have sent loved ones.
We should think hard and long about our foreign policy that directs our military to these engagements. The blood and treasure we sacrifice is precious and we must be sure of our goals.
There is no doubt we must oppose and fight militant terrorists. But, many are questioning our "fighting the last war" in sending land based military units to confront this evil, when other informed and experienced professionals think smaller special units, highly trained and pointed to specific targets would save lives and horrific wounds.
We should thank our Veterans today. And perhaps we should be less enthusiastic in encouraging our young people to take up arms and risk those precious lives in a fight so unlike the the one the ended on 11/11/11.
Let's thank those who have served. Let's inform ourselves of the options that might require fewer young people, and less treasure, to fight this very different war.
And too, while we thank all those who have served, if we know those who have faced enemy fire and all to often deal with the after effects of that experience, maybe we could extend a special warm and prolonged thanks for that service. It was costly, and often remains so.