No need to jazz it up.
I know that it's cute to have Corduroy Day on the day with all the vertical lines in the date.
But maybe it's better to use today to remember warriors and wars past. That's what we set this day aside for.
If you (like me) never took on the duty, there's certainly nothing to keep you from appreciating the securities provided by those who have done so. If you are a pacifist, then now is the time to reflect on the horror of war, and be glad that it isn't coming to your home. There's a reason for that, you know.
I look forward to the day that we celebrate armistice, yet again.
Until our men and women come home --and even then-- remember.
Labels: momentous occasions, One Nation, Utopia, war, world view
posted by Matt G @ 8:41 AM
2 Comments:
I am a Quaker and a life-long pacifist. However, I recognize this as a spiritual discipline I have taken on, rather than the way it "ought to be" for everyone. No one in their right mind favors violence. And, IMO, no pacifist in their right mind thinks that, for instance, Hitler, Stalin, or Mao could have been stopped from perpetrating all their violence by a Gandhian approach. There is evil in the world, and it succumbs only to force. Pacifists like me need to recognize the difference between wolves and sheep dogs, to borrow that somewhat shopworn theme.
So, that being said: I do honor veterans and active duty personnel for their sacrifices, and not just the supreme sacrifice. Horrors of war? Many of our greatest warriors have reflected on them in the most heartfelt (and well-informed) manner.
There is a movement afoot -- very much in the beginning stage -- to establish the 3rd Sunday in December as Peacemaker's Day, to honor those who have made similar sacrifices in the cause of peace. Why December? "Prince of Peace" ring any bells with anyone?
But on Veteran's Day: a sincere Thank You to all soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen/women, and Coasties for their service.
Thanks for remembering Matt!
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