November 11, 2007
Veterans and Reality
Today is Veterans Day, and tomorrow the official holiday. As with most, it is accompanied by sales, but I did not see one that gave a special discount to veterans. Odd don't you think? Though perhaps no odder than the those serving in the current engagements who are kept largely invisible. I am so sick of hearing that vets deserve our eternal thanks and gratitude while 25% of the homeless are vets. There is something wrong with this picture.
The LA Times has a two part video Marlboro Marine. It captures a different reality of those who serve and have served - the haunted hero, and the transformation that comes from the realities of combat.
James Blake Miller became an iconic image of the Iraq veteran. I doubt he chose this role in addition to struggling with what he had been through. Given having this role thrust upon him, he speaks eloquently to both the experience of combat, and to some of the things that would ease is path. I strongly encourage everyone to take 15 minutes of your time to watch the video.
I am torn in my response to soldiers past and present. "Those who have served." The message they and we are told is that they have sacrificed for us. I know that many feel that they have indeed done this. However, I know - and many vets know - that they served a different cause than protecting America and the liberties we enjoy. If it is a bitter and confusing issue for me, I can only imagine what it is for those who have survived. The leaders order war, but clearly for purposes other than what is sold to the public - and even more strongly to those in the military.
However, the veterans have served (and are serving). They are being reformed, transformed, in permanent ways. Each is injured in the line of duty, whether those injuries are visible or not. How does a nation compensate that, or recognize that?
My best suggestion and effort is to do what we can to stop the sending of people to fight, and kill. Perhaps there is such a thing as a "just" war. From what I know, that would be an exceedingly rare event. The overwhelming majority have not been "just." Virtually all have been avoidable. Yet generation after generation, nation after nation, the victims of war are the haunted heroes also known as "those who serve."
So my heart breaks with the voice of James Blake Miller as he speaks to the horror and insanity that touches tens of millions. I pray that he, will move from victim to survivor to actor in the world. However, I know that such experiences are never put behind one. They linger in the quite moments and haunt the dreams. They creep like shadows flickering at the edge of your vision. They are the startled response to the odd sound or scent. It is a feeling of guilt that rises unexpectedly like gorge in the throat. It seems they are there forever, and the victory is being able to put them in context quickly, breathe, and move on.
For the veterans, I wish you strength and healing and compassion. The world does need you. We need you to speak your truth. To those of you who have served, and fight the demons, and now confront the country and the world on the truth of war and power, you have my undying gratitude.
Posted by rowan at November 11, 2007 7:58 PM | [eMail this article!] |From my op-ed in today's Oregonian. This is copied from Blue Oregon, it is not my work, but it sure is hell express's my feelings !!!!
The war to end all wars
On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, it became "All quiet on the western front." An armistice signed at six o'clock that morning took effect and brought a cease-fire to the "War to end all wars." Since that fateful hour, most nations, which fought in that conflict, observe Armistice Day. The United States in 1938 made it official with a proclamation that states in part: "...it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and...inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples." Unfortunately the horrors of World War One were to be outdone by those of World War Two and to honor the sacrifices of the veterans of that fought in it, Armistice Day was changed to Veterans Day in 1954. While it is fitting and proper to honor all veterans for their service, it is a shame that the original intent of November eleventh has become lost to the militarization and commercialization of this important date.
With flags flying and bands playing, veterans from all eras march in parades. Dignitaries give glowing speeches glorifying the heroism of those who had the misfortune to end up in combat. Fighter jets streak above the gathered crowds, cannons roar, taps is played and shopping malls offer special sales on merchandise more than likely made in third world countries. So one day a year we remember those men and women who put on the uniform and took the oath. The rest of the year it is business as usual. We pass by the homeless vet with the cardboard sign. We allow our elected representatives to gut the Veterans Administration. We aren't permitted to see the coffins arriving at Dover Air Force base, and the wounded are flown in at night to keep us in the dark.
I am troubled by the fact that more disabled veterans are being produced in a war based on lies and deception, commanded by a Commander-In-Chief who believes he is above the law, and the budget for the Veterans Administration fails to keep pace with the increase in demand. It all plays out in the background, ignored by most of the media and the average American. But not ignored by this veteran. And not by my fellow members of Veterans for Peace chapter 72.
We will honor our brothers and sisters in arms in a different way, by working to increasing public awareness of the costs of war. We will work to restrain our government from intervening, overtly and covertly, in the internal affairs of other nations. We will work to end the arms race and to reduce and eventually eliminate nuclear weapons. We will work to seek justice for veterans and victims of war, and to abolish war as an instrument of national policy. This is our mission. So on this November eleventh we will not be marching in parades. We will not be worshiping at the altar of the God of war. For war is a false god worshiped by warmongers and poll watchers; a false god worshiped by those in the media who wish to be bathed in its reflected glow; a false god worshiped by those who have never seen, heard, smelled or touched the obscenity of the violence they glorify. Instead we will be gathering to renew the spirit of Armistice Day and commemorate it, ..."with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations." We will be gathering to reflect on our mission and to move it forward with purpose and commitment. We will be gathering to renew our bonds of service and the bonds forged by a realization that war is obsolete and that peace is the only path to a "more perfect union" with "liberty and justice for all."
This is from Blue Oregon Posted by BOHICA
Posted by: bill at November 12, 2007 9:37 AMThanks Rowan.
Posted by: bill at November 12, 2007 9:45 AMThanks Bill, for sharing this. Very well stated.
Posted by: rowan at November 12, 2007 11:24 AM