never ever forget

Throughout world history, man has waged war. And unlike the animal kingdom, where territorial dominance for survival is the reason for battle, man’s desire for such is power, glory, wealth. Yet, in every war, to the victor goes the spoils, except for the warrior. Who, by design, will sacrifice their life for the cause, or survive, by taking another’s life for the cause. All while those at the top reap the benefit of sacrifice of those at the bottom. But throughout American history, America was supposed to be different. Its military by design, for defense, not aggression: The number of wars which have happened or will happen in the world will always be found to be in proportion to the number and weight of the causes, whether real or pretended, which provoke or invite them (Federalist 3).

To which, I grew up in the Vietnam era. Where those who served were maltreated; flipped off; cussed at; spit on; including any dignity that should have been afforded a servicemember completely non-existent. My father spent his entire working career training to kill or be killed completing three tours of combat. He believed in his country then, but because of Party politics today, not so much. And through the government’s desire for war, many of his friends, both in Korea and Vietnam never made it home. Men, forgotten by the very government that put them in harm’s way.

Thus, with the upcoming three-day weekend, next Monday is Memorial Day, where every American should take some time to reflect about those who gave the ultimate sacrifice … supposedly for country. And the number of warriors who did so, immeasurable. Especially when the reasons for sacrifice are considered. And even though multiples have given their life, think of those who, through the Vietnam draft, were forced into a quagmire of a morass they could have never dreamt. The average age of a servicemember KIA (killed in action) was twenty-two. Then imagine those who were not yet twenty, or just eighteen! Their life, yet to be experienced, while scared fighting combat, were mortally wounded, and in the throes of death, their life, ebbed away in a combat zone thousands of miles from home, never being able to see family again. And to this day, none have been thanked by the government. Think Damnit!! before the next batch of power-hungry legislators put this country in another morass of stupidity.

And as much as I despise war, including those who intentionally place the country in war for personal glory: But the safety of the People of America against dangers from foreign force depends not only on their forbearing to give just causes of war to other nations, but also on their placing and continuing themselves in such a situation as not to invite hostility or insult; for it need not be observed that there are pretended as well as just causes of war (Federalist 4). Learn history; intent; agenda; and the desire for glory.

So, as each of us enjoy the upcoming three days of leisure, never ever forget those who had their lives cut short. Yes, those who willingly did, and those forced to do so, while also remembering those who ran and now live freely in the country of those who died for nothing, no purpose whatsoever. And when the next cry to send America’s youth to a conflict in a country most could not find on a map and many will not return from, understand, no, better, learn your Constitution. Because your child’s life might just depend on it: WE THE PEOPLE of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America (preamble). Always remember those who gave all because our government took all.