I was set to post about the negotiations the Mister and I have been engaged in about an upcoming wedding. When I turned on the news channel to keep me company through my first cup of coffee and saw the tributes to fallen vets, it seemed inconsequential…at least until tomorrow.
It bothers me that we are still occupying a foreign country five years later, and it really disturbs me that our nation’s presence might have conceivably created more problems than it solved, depending upon which media outlet you choose as your source. I freely admit, I’m not very knowledgeable about the politics of war, but I am observant of the wastefulness of government.
I resent implications by our current executive branch that a citizen who does not support the war should have his or her patriotism called into question. Sure, I feign anarchist leanings, I think democracy sucks, but I recognize it’s the best system we have. I appreciate and have always supported the men and woman in uniform who defend my right to descent. For some it might seem somewhat paradoxical, but I don’t feel the least bit conflicted. I don’t hold those serving this country responsible for poor decisions made by those leading it.
When I walk through the airport, I am often awestruck by the number of troops I see dashing between the concourses, backpacks and laptops in tow. I see them hanging out with their teammates, calling their spouses, and reading magazines. They exhibit extraordinary discipline and ordinary ease. I have not yet been able to bring myself to speak to any directly and thank them personally. When I see others address them, many shift uncomfortably. Feeling awkward about the attention, in the same way I feel awkward about the hero worship.
Though the words always escape in the moment, my gratitude lives on. Thanks to those who believe in things I do not, thanks to those who have given up more than I can imagine, your sacrifices do not pass unnoticed or unappreciated.
My dad during the Korean conflict. A pragmatic man, he enlisted in the Air Force because he didn’t want to be drafted into the Army. He served one tour as an electrician keeping the runway lights functional. He was fortunate to return home. Years later, he couldn’t wire a light switch worth a damn. Use it or lose it.
May 26th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I can’t believe we are still there, either. I smile at every person in uniform, male or female. It was the only way I could think of to strike a balance with the awkwardness of “hero worship”, as you pointed out.
May 26th, 2008 at 2:43 pm
“I don’t hold those serving this country responsible for poor decisions made by those leading it.”
Amen.
May 26th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
i couldn’t bring myself to post about it, after kicking and screaming so much all year i felt insultory, at best. but i am glad you found the words and i’m sitting right here next to you nodding my head.
May 27th, 2008 at 10:29 am
I took the kids to the parade yesterday and was surprised by the tears streaming, unbidden, down my cheeks as the soldiers passed, even though it happens every time. I admire them as much as I detest their purpose.
May 27th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
You’re a good woman. And that handsome man? Dad.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:35 am
One of the best Memorial Day posts I read today, Ms. Chica. Thanks for posting.
May 28th, 2008 at 8:40 am
qt, a smile says more than an awkward soliloquy.
flutter, leadership is often selfish and misguided.
jen, I always enjoy reading your posts about these matters. You have more rights to post about it than I do, because you stay informed. I get my information in smaller portions because the more know, the angrier I get. I’m not an effective person when I let my temper get the better of me.
De, I felt the same way when the Mister took me to an air show. I’m not especially emotional airplanes, but the people manage to pull at my heartstrings.
liv, I don’t think I’m especially good, maybe honest. Dad was handsome in his day.By day, I mean before three kids appeared and turned his hair white.
Diane Mandy, thank you.
May 29th, 2008 at 9:55 am
I love your blog. I love the way you write, the way you think. I love how you can say what I wish I could say–and how you pull it off with what seems effortless evocativness.
I too have anarchist leanings, though I’m not sure I feign them. I hate how we got dragged into a conflict on the basis of erroneous presumptions, and I hate we are still in conflict because of those mistakes, and I hate how all of it has acheived none of the goals for which it was entered. And I hate especially how our bravest and most patriotic’s lives are being wasted, and I hate the justifications given for it.
But like you, I can’t hate them for doing it.
May 29th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Individual soldiers always have and always will deserve our support. They’re just folks doing a job; a very dangerous, often thankless (especially by our current regime) job. They’re just folks, and they’re just heros.
And your dad is a hottie.
June 2nd, 2008 at 9:48 am
rachel, I think it’s good to back up dissent with reasoning, to convert the masses into believing the same but to send the message of having given a situation a lot of consideration and proving your opinion is as valid as theirs is.
nancy, verbally attacking or protesting against the armed forces is like shooting the messenger. It’s ineffective.
June 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
It always comes down to ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
June 17th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I agree with all of you. I feel like a dolt when I try to express appreciation to people for doing something I don’t think they should have to do. You said what I feel beautifully!
And yes, your father is pretty hot. That’s a weird thing to say, isn’t it??
July 27th, 2008 at 2:28 am
I’m with you. Great photo by the way.