Veteran's/Remembrance Day...

[xakko]

thoughts on the day... thanks to my Grandfather and Deb's, who fought with the greatest generation against some of the greatest evil the world has known; to my cousins Tim, Mitchell, and Chad who saw the horrors and (I hope) hope in Iraq. To all of the soldiers we've lost, not just in the USA, but all those who've fought oppression and injustice

Comments

[xakko]

"The Minstrel Boy" is an old Irish song written by Thomas Moore (he also wrote "The Last Rose of Summer"). I'd first heard it from the lips of Miles O'Brien on Star Trek, but Enter the Haggis does a really cool version on Casualties of Retail. The third verse is apparently from the American Civil War, and really summed up my feelings... war just sucks. (I'm sure your father can attest better than most)

One of my cousins has been severely changed by his experiences in Iraq. His sister's husband had the most haunted look in his eyes as he matter-of-factly told us how soldiers would keep tampons stashed in their gear to plug bullet wounds.

I don't think I could handle military life. But I am thankful for those who serve - I just wish it wasn't necessary.

[xakko]

*cough* most of the Bush administration *cough*

the sad fact seems to be that most of those who happily wrap themselves up in the flag are the least likely to have risked their lives to defend it

[amokitty]

You seem to have a certain fondness for Irish songs and poems... :) :)

And this was a particularly lovely choice.

Mark plays World of Warcraft with his buddy Scott who's stationed in Irag whenever they can (Scott's working in the basement of one of Saddam's palaces - probably the most sumptuous basement on the planet). Today I thought of him, and my grandfather who fought in France and Germany. Funny thing was I noticed the time that I was doing it just happened to be 11:11 AM, and I swear I'm not making that up. Nice little coincidence.

You won a tea set and chocolates? COOL!! You lucky dog. Whatever it is you guys are drinking, I'd like some please.

[xakko]

Your grandfather hit both theatres? Wow, that's amazing. My grandfather was a B-17 pilot over Germany. Deb's fought island by island against Japan, and was about to be deployed for the assault on the mainland before the bombs were dropped.

best wishes to Scott - hope he comes back soon. I do worry about a resolution to that, hoping that we can pull out as soon as possible, but without destabilizing the region any more than it is. it's going to be a major challenge for the next administration.

It was a lucky day. I seem to have gotten over it. The chocolate is yummy though. :)

[amokitty]

My granddad was a sergeant in the artillery, and only fought in Europe. When he passed away a couple of years ago, my mom and I went through his papers and learned that he joined the army in 1940 and was honorably discharged in '45. And oh lord, have I ever heard some stories...! Like the time he and his buddies had found a stash of 30 cases of brandy hidden in a French farmhouse. They fought hard and played hard. :D

Chocolate. *sigh* I forget what that tastes like. :( Glad you got to enjoy some!