Today in the United States, we honor all people, living and dead, who have served in the military. Similarly, the United Kingdom remembers all those who have died while serving in the military.
I realize I cannot adequately address or even list all of the issues and opinions tied up in our feelings about these two holidays. Please forgive my shortcomings.
I will say, however, that we should focus on the living on Veterans Day and Remembrance Day, though we honor the dead. Let me explain.
Veterans Day
At the end of the day, soldiers do a job. They do a job that many of us do not want, that many take for granted, and that many disdain. For the sake of space, I will not debate the moral, ethical, or philosophical implications of their work. The fact remains, soldiers have a duty to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities. Try, today, to stop there for a moment.
For active duty personnel, acknowledge them and try to withhold your judgment. Wave like you do for the mail carrier. Give a head nod like you would to an officer checking parking meters. Realize that every government has soldiers, just like every criminal or corporation has lawyers.
And for those who have retired from active service, particularly those struggling with life after the military, try to help out. Changing jobs stinks, especially when changing industries. Can you imagine how much tougher when not everyone approves of or even understands your prior job?
Respect that most veterans have a good reason for serving, whether to defend our liberty, find a path to citizenship, or become a global force for good. Realize that unlike most of us, they have chosen to risk their lives in support of that cause. Empathize with the harshness of their work environment. Do not blame them for decisions made way above their heads. Support them as they deal with physical and mental wounds. Help them to apply their job skills in support of peace and life at home.
Honor the Living in Song
Here are 5 songs for your consideration on Veterans Day. The lyrics speak for themselves.
Remembrance Day
This is the real downer of the day. Because ultimately, war and military service lead to death. Soldiers die, civilians near active conflict die. And families are left wounded and mourning.
Our goal should be the elimination of war and the pursuit of nonviolent conflict resolution. I know we are far from that. I know some people will never change their ways and must be opposed with force. But today of all days, detest that armed conflict has claimed so many lives. Hate how large places like Arlington Cemetery have to be, even as you grieve those interred there.
Remembrance Day began after World War I, the supposed “war to end all wars.” It has been 100 years since that conflict, and we still threaten, instigate, and wage war. Whatever words we mouth today, our collective actions spit on those who sacrificed so that we might live in peace.
Honor the valiant dead by preserving the living. Make those deaths worth something. Let Valhalla stand empty. We do not need to destroy the world in bitter conflict to reach a new and better world.
Today, put a poppy on your lapel, remember those who have died, and honor them by working to keep anyone else from joining their company.
Remember the Dead in Song
Here are 5 songs for your consideration on Remembrance Day. The lyrics speak for themselves.