To date, there have been 3455 (source) men and women that have died during this war. Today, I think of them, their families, and those whose lives have been changed by their deaths. We must all remember these that have died, especially on today. I for one, hope that this number becomes locked, and that no more are added, and that we can bring the rest of our troops home safe and sound. That is also what I hope most on this memorial day.
While today is designated as a day of memorial, I think that attention should also be paid to those that didn’t die, but were wounded in this war. To date, there have been 23549 (source) men and women that have been wounded, many of which are without limbs, genitalia, faces, ears, etc. This number does not account for those that have returned, and suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, and other consequences of fighting in Iraq. I have a friend that was among that number, who was seriously injured when a mortar attack struck near his base. He received shrapnel to the stomach, and underwent serious surgery, and a month of recuperation, before being redeployed. My friend is okay today, but I know that there are others that are apart of all of our lives that need to be thanked immensely for their sacrifice and the pain they endured. Additionally, I want him, and all those wounded, to know that I sincerely appreciate everything that you sacrificed for us, even though I don’t agree with the war, I do fully and wholeheartedly support you for doing what you were told would protect us.
Thank you. Today, and everyday, you will be in my thoughts, prayers, and you will continue to shape my politics regarding this war. I personally want to thank all of those that have sacrificed, as well as those families that have been affected.
Today shouldn’t be about hot dogs, burgers, and flying the flag; it should be about respect, honor, memory, and gratitude; and I for one am focusing on the latter. Hope that your memorial day has a similar level of perspective and graciousness. Additionally, let it be known, that because I focus on the current deaths and injuries of our military, that it does not mean I belittle or neglect those that have died and been injured in the past. I hope that all those that have served, and have been affected by their service, receive the attention, gratitude, and love that they deserve, especially today. Today is your day.
In Canada, we have Remembrance Day, November 11th. Perhaps the weather contributes to the mood of the day, as it is typically gray and cold, but it’s not party central, it’s a time for solemn memories and honouring those who still serve. I remember a lady who was in one of my courses some years back, and we were on the first New York weekend of the course, where they had to introduce themselves to the group. The course leader in referring to her application brought up that she had served in the Canadian military, had received a large number of medals, and had served in some ugly areas (Darfur, Rwanda, Serbia, etc.). She got a standing ovation from the room. When we went on the break, she sought me out, and cried on my shoulder for 20 straight minutes. As much as she put on a brave face, it still affected her deeply. On the outside, she was a hard as nails, spit and polish, proud retired military officer. On the inside, she was raw and wounded. It took a lot of work to reach her, and get her the appropriate care she required. Last I heard she had finally made some breakthroughs, and had found herself a loving and caring woman to share her life with. Just a shame that there wasn’t an appropriate debriefing done when they returned from their missions abroad.
I think it’s a damned shame that these military men and women come home to sweet f.a. in the way of support. Was watching the story on 60 Minutes last night about the Iowa national guard, and at the end how their tour had been extended just before they were due to come home. I wonder how many marriages and relationships will not survive the extended time away? Government can only see 5 minutes in front of them, but the hypotwits cannot see the human toll. Yes, they get some support, but it just doesn’t seem to me to be nearly enough. Once the numbers started to rise, why wouldn’t you start expanding and modernizing current facilities, if not building new facilities?
The military MUST be supported in every aspect. If one was wise, one would put aside the appropriate funding to ensure that they received the kind of psychological, physical, and other support that they require in perpetuity. Hell, it’s basic business mathematics that we learned in high school. Just ensure the funds are locked in to an annuity and cannot be frittered away on nonsense items. Remove all the typical levels of bureaucracy, and just make sure they get taken care of properly. If someone is willing to put their lives on the line, we should have no cause to complain to put aside the funds to ensure they are looked after when they return home. Dammitalltohell, it’s not rocket science!
Gore, Kerry, Murtha…all of these characters have called our military in Iraq murderers, thugs, rapists, terrorists, and idiots. How can any decent person ignore their words and actions concerning our military? My hope is that the country will speak to this point in next year’s election.
Bugboy, not all democrats think that; while there is some bad shit going on over there, I certainly don’t agree that they are all murderers and whatnot. Why not focus on the positive message that I have said?
Because I don’t think they should get a free pass on that. It’s too destructive to us and our soldiers. Sorry if I wasn’t focusing on the positive message of your friend getting shrapnel in his stomach.
Again, the point I was making, was that this day is about focusing on what they have done for us; not politics or everything you find wrong with the democrats.
I see the two as related. I appreciate their sacrifices so much it sickens me to see what the Dems have done. What Gore tried to do to their ballots in 2000 was unforgivable.
What Gore tried to do to their ballots in 2000 was unforgivable.
Ah, yes. Of course. What he did was just a travesty.
Who among us will ever forget the horrible day when Senator Albert Gore’s Pneumatic Personal Hanging Chad-a-nator was found in an underground bunker just south of Tampa, Florida. The defeated former Congressman was found just days after, rolling around naked in a barrel of befouled ballots, each one defaced in red Sharpie: “I invented the Internets!”
“And I’d've gotten away with it too,” cried Gore, “if it hadn’t a been for those dang-blasted Supreme Court judges!”
Thomas, word! I mean, that Gore, his actions vastly outshadow the blatant election-stealing actions of the republican party, don’t they? Talk about a lack of perspective.
The Repubs really did not do anything outrageous, only meeting legal challenges and the like. Gore basically tried to rewrite the rules after the election. Only a lack of perspective would not think that was signficant.