Just left the Veterans Day Events at the KY Vietnam Memorial

[groovedaddy]

Today is the 20th anniversary of the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial and hundreds gathered there today to honor our veterans. (story of the monument: http://www.helmr.com/ky.htm ) A cold rain fell upon the crowd as Kentucky's Adjutant General gave the keynote address. I was at the dedication of the memorial 20 years ago today, there in honor of my brother, a Marine killed in Vietnam the day before my 16th birthday.

I'm not one to hoist the flag of glory over the horrors of war, but my brother meant alot to me and it's important to keep him alive in my memory. I have gone to this memorial on days when just few visitors are there. Usually, they are in the same boat as me, having lost one of their loved ones to that tragic war.

There are always different strands of reality involved in all human events of tragedy and triumph.
If not for those willing to risk their lives in combat, I doubt that the United States of America would still be in existence. To these brave souls, we owe a tribute. The other, uglier strand of war and probably it's root, is the desire to take what someone else has and to accomplish this through brute force. U.S.M.C. General Smedley Butler alluded to this when referring to himself as a racketeer for big capital. It should never be so simple as "hoist the flag and give the call to arms," and the dogs of war are unleashed. As Eisenhower warned us in his farewell address, an unrestrained military industrial complex poses it's own threat to our democratic way of life.

Now that Barack Obama has been elected, we know that the rest of the world is hopeful that a new day is dawning and the U.S. may, once again, play the role as "beacon of hope" for those who desire freedom and would like a say in how their governments are run. Unleasing the "dogs of war" should always be the last resort after all diplomatic efforts have failed. Unless, of course, there is a REAL imminent danger of attack.

Thanks to all those willing to answer the call of duty in defending our country. We remember those who didn't make it back and advocate for those who made it back wounded, in body or mind. It is our obligation as a nation to make sure they are taken care of.

[BridgeTheGap]

1. So much sadness left behind... n.t