It is a cliche of war. It is the purpose of war. We can wax poetic about it. "Once more into the breach dear friend." or "The purpose of war is not to die for your country; it's to make the other poor son of a bitch die for his." Any way it is cut, some poor sucker will die for his or her country. A family will be torn apart and a fabric of our nation is strengthened allegedly.
Make no mistake, Blue loves his country, Blue's Dad and grandparents loved their country. We all entered into the military. Dad was infantry and Gramps was a medic in the army. Blue was a Boatswains (pronounced Bosuns) mate in the navy. we allo served with honor, we were all medaled and we were all lucky enough to have seen serious shit and try to make a normal life afterwards.
Blue's Red half Sis (only call her half because though she is we have a good bond) Had a mom who was a "Rosie the Riveter" we all returned from our wars not TOO badly worse for the wear but leaving a permanent mark on all 4 of us.
Now after the death of bin Laden and almost ten years after our entry in Afghanistan and 8 into our foray into Iraq, we're getting ready to celebrate Memorial Day. There is no guilt trip, there is no resentment, there's not even a little self righteousness. What I will say though is I do understand the resentment of constant wars in places we usually have no right to stick our nose, remember that the troop, sailor, grunt or flyboy (or girl) is taking orders and they are doing their best. Some will not come home to their loved ones. Understanding that please enjoy the parades, the barbecues, the closeness of families. Blue will, but remember that there were a few lives lost for us to enjoy these simple pleasures that we may just take for granted.
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