Monday, May 28, 2007

Memorial Day

The war in Iraq is one of the most divisive issues in America today.

But no matter what position you have on the subject, this is the day we devote to remembering those who have served us at great cost to themselves and their loved ones. No matter how partisan our views, we must never forget the sacrifices made by these warriors and their families.

Late last night, I read a story about "[a] Democrat and a Republican. A pacifist and a soldier. A Catholic and a Protestant. They were a Shakespearian tragedy even before they were an item."

Read the story here.

As you go about your holiday activities on Monday--whether having a family barbeque or a swimming party--give some thought, and perhaps a prayer, for those who have put themselves in danger to protect our way of life.

And, no matter how you think about THIS war, never forget this quote by John Stuart Mill:

"War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself."

6 comments:

Stephen Parrish said...

Either man will abolish war, or war will abolish man.

Bertrand Russell

Laura Vivanco said...

Would I be right in thinking that this is the US equivalent of the Commonwealth (and a few other countries' 'Remembrance Day'/'Armistice Day' which is held on 11 November?

In the UK some people choose to wear white poppies produced by the Peace Pledge Union instead of the usual red one.

B.E. Sanderson said...

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigues of supporting it. - Thomas Paine

Thank you, Maya.

To me, this is also a day for remembering everyone we love who has passed. Keep them in your thoughts, and they will never truly be gone.

Maya Reynolds said...

Stephen: Amen.

Laura: Actually Americans also celebrate November 11 although we call it Veterans Day.

Memorial Day began after the American Civil War as a remembrance of the many soldiers who died in that conflict.

I believe Armistice Day was originally celebrated by both our countries to mark the end of WWI. After WWII, both countries changed the name of the day--Britain to Remembrance Day and America to Veterans Day.

B.E.: May it ever be thus. Thank you for a lovely thought.

And to everyone who has someone at risk in the military anywhere, may the Lord keep you and them close to His side.

Stephen Parrish said...

Maya, you should run for office.

Everyone I've ever said that to has refused the invitation, so I've probably just jinxed your political future. Sorry.

I hope you don't mind if I use your blog to tell B.E. that I love her Paine quote, although I sense she intended to contradict my Russell quote. The U.S. Army uniform is known, ironically, as "fatigues." Or at least it was when I wore it.

She may also be interested to know that I've been a follower of Ayn Rand since 1975.

Thanks for providing a space where people can connect. When's your damn cover gonna show up on Amazon?

Maya Reynolds said...

Stephen: Thanks for reminding me to put the cover up on my blog. I haven't wanted to do it too soon. Three months out seems right.