Though in the USA it is known as Veterans Day, Remembrance Day is a global day of recalling past and present wars, the armistice that ended The Great War / World War One / The First World War on this day in 1918, and the service of veterans worldwide in all wars. Their sacrifices transcend national borders. It's good to remember that countries that once warred against each other are now allies, and former allies may become future enemies once more.
Existentially, a soldier is a soldier facing death or mutiliation, death of friends and post traumatic stress disorder, no matter where from. And civilians are not exempt from becoming part of every war when villages and cities fall, bombs fall, or terror strikes. Guerillas, of course, fall somewhere in between.
As for the global struggles of the twenty-first century, it is worth considering a revival in the USA of universal service of some kind, starting with the traditional 18-25 age bracket.
Senator Chuck Hagel, independent-minded Republican Senator from Nebraska and decorated Vietnam War veteran, has suggested repeatedly that we consider doing this. A lottery would draw a percentage of the 18-25 population for public service, not necessarily military. This move would be very democratic, relieve the strain on the presently over-stretched volunteer approach with its multiple unit rotations of National Guard, Reserves, and Regulars. Even the consideration of universal service would enliven public interest in that age group, enriching discourse and activities at colleges and universities, among other institutions. It's worth further discussion, at least.
To my cousin Bob, who survived a year in Iraq with the Pennsylvania National Guard, and to all other veterans, including scores of Macomb students, a salute.
Today's Rune: Harvest.
Happy birthday, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (b. 1992), and Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881).
9 comments:
The good thing about a all volunteer service is that the people that serve in it make that decision. Unfortunately, with a draft situation, the enlisted don't make that choice which can lead to many future psychological problems. Also it can lead to people getting out of service because of "who they know" or Who they are" and what is left are the less fortunate souls who never have a choice. Either way, I am very proud of our U.S. military service people. They have great courage and deserve the highest respect.
It's an intriguing idea that certainly is worth debating.
A mandatory two years is the way to go. It's time that all our young adults serve our country in some capacity. What better way to protect our freedom.
Here, here.
JB
I agree, this issue is definitely worth further discussion.
When I, like many others, have family that died in both world wars, Remembrance Day should always be celebrated.
Here in Japan, there is no need for the mandatory two years, for the Allied Umbrella has deprived the country of the need for one. Most are happy about this, but many women aren't. They look enviously over the water to North Korea where the man are muscled and short of hair, a far cry from the Bay City Rollersesque faux hippy best that sits on top of most male bonces.
So, the women would be happy, and perhaps the men too. For perhaps serving your country is a more worthwhile pursuit than serving at a counter at 7-11 for three years whilst pretending to study.
My father used to say that military service has been replaced by a mandatory three years at a university. He was right in a way, and perhaps he envied it, having had his leg blown open (and stitched back) by a grenade in Aden.
So, we do need to be proud of the military service, but perhaps we need to question why our leaders are loathe to put themselves or their kin forward. They started the fight, and eschewed diplomacy in some cases.
So, yes, we need to respect them, but also re-assess their role, and whether they need to be where they are.
I would have liked to have gone through two years in some ways to ensure I be in top shape. And those fat children who increasingly hog our pathways certainly would benefit.
Oh Jesus!
I mentioned Japanese women looking enviously over to NORTH Korea, when I meant the SOUTH.
The Japanese are scared of the North Korean government and feel sorry for their controlled populace. The southern man are finer physically and are the subject of much female admiration.
My grandpa Hartman served in WWII.
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