We’ve watched “Flags of Our Fathers” this weekend that has been disturbing me since. I’ve been thinking about the reason why. Besides the obvious reason of not understanding so much hatred towards people (because of religious beliefs, colour etc.) I realised that what was bugging me was something else.
One of the things I hate about a lot of people nowadays is the fact that they don’t take responsibilities for their actions. A lot of us expect the government, our officials, or even society in general to “think” for us. We relinquish our powers, our ability to think and to do something. Granted, it is much easier to deal with, than having to think for ourselves. A while back I had seen this reportage about parents of military guys. They had interviewed this mother who was all pro-war, and about how wonderful the army had been for her son. The reporter went back a few months later, after her son had been killed in the Middle East. By then she had turned anti-Bush, anti-war, and the army was the worst thing ever. I don’t get that. I really don’t. The army didn’t change. Their weapons have, the way they fight as well, but the fact remains the same; in a war people die.
I don’t want to offend anybody, nor do I want to diminish in anyway what’s happening but I have to say it. Last week there were a lot of newscasts about this military guy, from the Valcartier base who died in Afghanistan. It was all over the news. His death brought the total number of Canadian soldiers killed in Afghanistan since the mission began in 2002 to 77. We are in a war, and 77 soldiers are dead. Seventy-seven. Why are we making such a big deal about this? Those men were volunteers; they didn’t joined because they had to but because they chose to. When I think about all the men who died during WWII, not by choice, but because their country told them to… I can’t help to wonder if during those years if every single death created such turmoil… I have my doubts about that. Don’t get me wrong; I’m thankful there are men & women out there willing to do this for my, our protection. This weekend I couldn’t help to feel as if the lives of all those fallen before weren’t as “valuable” as those of today’s soldiers. That seriously bothers me. I’ve been to Pearl Harbour and was moved. There was something there that I had not felt before. I’m happy I went and paid my respect to those valiant, courageous people. They deserve as much respect and “publicity” as today’s soldiers.
When I think of Normandie or even Iwo Jima, I can't help to think of the carnage those guys ran into, and yet...I can't hep to think that it is amazing that since 2002 only 77 soldiers lost their lives in Afghanistan. Are we that naïve that we don’t expect our soldiers to get shot at nor to die? Why is it that we, as a nation, find ourselves at war, and expect no casualties? Why is that?
6 comments:
This is such a good point. I think about this a lot. The men and women who are fighting this war are there by choice. I respect that beyond belief. The war itself is another story, but what is at work here is really strange.
Your point about WWII is so dead on. That war was fought EVERYWHERE. Everyone lived that war. People stateside planted victory gardens, bought war bonds, had scrap drives, went without, made sacrifices, pitched in for the war effort.
And yet, this war is just sort of there. People are too busy playing Guitar Hero and watching American Idol. Is this normal? I don't get it. It freaks me out.
Hear, hear! While I have opposed this misguided and unnecessary war from the very start, as a veteran myself I understand that getting killed is part of the job. When the Iraq war began there were a couple of Reservists who sued to get out of going on to active duty. That really pissed me off. People join the reserves mostly to get college tuition in exchange for a few weekends playing soldier a year, but they seem to forget that in time of war they ARE soldiers. I may think that Bush is a war-mongering megalomaniac with delusions of godhood, and that he and Karl Rove have squandered the lives of over 5,000 Americans, 77 Canadians, and uncounted Iraqis, but it is the job of the military to go where and when they are told. That's what they knowingly signed up for.
I'll put my soapbox away now.
I have to agree with you on all points here. The soldiers who have served (and given their lives) in this war and every one before it deserve our respect. But you're right, it's called war for a reason and death is a part of war. Anyone who can't admit that is living in serious denial. My heart goes out to that woman but she was all too happy to wave the flag and cheer the cause until she had to sacrifice something. A sad situation all around.
war sucks but because man desires power and "stuff" it is necessary (sometimes).
now that you have watched Flags, watch Letters. It tells the same story from the Japanese point of view. It is very interesting.
everyone believes they are "right"
Thanks for having the courage to say what a lot of people think privately. The war has affected our area directly, with at least three deaths I can think of right off the top of my head, as well as a young man who's at Walter Reed Hospital right now trying to recuperate from losing both legs. These brave souls knew what they were signing on for, and they're the first to admit it. It's everyone else who raises such a fuss.
mr. social: I so know what you mean.
marius: I so agree with your point about the "reserves", they want the goods but are not willing to do their part, if needed. Just plain wrong.
ananke: It is sad AND upsetting!
princess: "Letters..." is on my Zip list, can't wait to see it. I have a feeling I'll find out what happened to the US guy in the Japanese bunker...
tammie: The real soldiers do know what they signed up for...
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