This is almost identical to last the last three years’ Memorial Day articles, with additions. I did not see how I could express my position more clearly. You may ask why I, as one who opposes war almost by definition, would want to celebrate the day in which we honor those military service people, who have given their lives in service to America. From my earliest days as an antiwar activist opposing the war in Vietnam, I have believed that it is as important to honor the warriors, as it is to oppose the wars. They took an oath to obey and honored it. They had nothing to do with the decisions. I have no doubt that, if those who died in our Revolutionary War, for example, can look at today’s Republican wars for hate and greed, they are shedding tears over the senseless waste of life, but honoring their comrades as they fall. Now, unlike Veterans day, Memorial Day is not intended as celebration of those who served and survived. Nevertheless, to all veterans who read this, thank you for your service. I thank God that you are not among those whom we honor today. Finally, if you are in the service now, I consider your lives far too precious to spend defending criminal Fuhrer Trump’s* personal profit or Russia’s national interest. Even now Trump* is attacking Americans with his virus as part of his War on America. Will he celebrate his 100,000th fatality today? I urge you all to take care to preserve your lives and those of your comrades.
And now, a special message from a very special person!
RESIST!!
10 Responses to “Memorial Day – 2020”
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I too am a pacifist, but I am also a realist. Even when we embrace peace and cooperation, we must accept that there are some slimes out there that laugh at olive branches. The men and women who gave up their lives did so in defense of liberty, democracy, and the principles behind this nation. At least, that is how we should remember them. Even if in the end they died for the sake of greedy defense contractor fat cats (my apologies to cats), they still felt that they were fighting for the Constitution, Mom, Baseball and Apple Pie.
I sure did choked up reading your words on this very special day. Beautiful words and video, WWWendy, and TC, THANK YOU! Y’all are too/so sweet!! xo
imho…there is nothing ‘Happy’ about Memorial day, as it’s a solemn day, and our veterans, here on PP, and elsewhere in our country who survived our war(s) get that. There’s also, no denying the sacrifices that many have made, to make this country united, the Land of the Free and Home to the Brave. I grieve for those lost. Memorial Day is a day that “commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service”. (VA). To this day, after stepping out of the Navy, 46 years as a Veteran,…I still get choked up listening and standing at attention, hand salute! of one playing “Taps”.
Unfortunately..this year, due to the pandemic, the local cemetery here is closed, with no words of comfort, no Taps, nor flyover.
This just in: “Memorial day weekend is a time to honor our fallen military soldiers. It’s a time to think about the men and women who died fighting for our freedom. It’s a time to be grateful and humble. But our President is not well…so he’s doing this! ‘OBAMAGATE’ !! ~ S.E.Cupp ~
Pat, shipmate, you must have watched the same Memorial Day Concert that I did. All beautiful … but “Taps” was extraordinary.
I bet you wouldn’t be surprised if the Tangerine Toddler Tweeted out a tone-deaf “HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!” greeting:
I want to thank all who have ever served to protect our country.
My heart goes to all members and their families, including the soldiers who have died or suffer with disabilities.
I will always be grateful for all who have and continue to sere our country.
Love the words/video that Wendy and you did.
Thanks TomCat
TC, your words express my sentiments, as well. Wendy, You did not say whether, or not, your dad died while in the service, but, in any case he was out there doing what he believed was right. But, your words are valuable, as well.
I’m a pacifist, but I surely can get angry watching the politicians create war out of nothing but their ego and idiocy!
I wish you both well!
I had commented, elsewhere, the idea that “Have a happy Memorial Day!” struck me as off the mark. I’m glad that you brought that up, here, Pat.
The medical people on the fron lines of the pandemic are warriors too, and the National Memorial Day Concert made sure to honor those of them who have perished, as well as those still fighting.
Isn’t it interesting how, while the GOP likes to claim it has a monopoly on patriotism, it is us on the left sho do the most to give honor to the warriors. And how many of us are veterans or frim military families.+ Dear WWWendy, I can’t be surprised that you are also.
Pat is right. Saying “Happy Memorial Day” is much like saying “Happy Good Friday.” I suspect the phrase arose during a period when working hours were long and there was little respite from the grind. Every moment one didn’t have to work was both rare and precius. The union workers and leaders whose valiance lifted us out of that were warriors too, and it’s a crying shame that we have let so much of what they accomplished slip away. I hope it may not always be so.
Y’all…
Thank you, TomCat and Wendy, for your Memorial Day contribution. And though I’m not Americam, Freya has said it all for me.
Thanks all. Memorial Day is NOT happy!