Sunday was Poppy Day and this is my poppy. I get one every year. Memorial Day is the day we set aside to remember all our dead from all our wars. Mostly we focus on those who died in battle, and that is as it should be. They gave the ultimate sacrifice so that we could continue to live in liberty. I salute them, one and all. There are others, though, that I think we should give a little thought to. My brother's best friend in high school was a consciencious objector to the Vietnam War. When he was drafted, he agreed to go as a medic. He came home totally broken in mind. He committed suicide within a year. I have read that every month, every week, maybe even every day veterans of the wars Afganistan and Iraq come home broken in mind the same way and they also commit suicide. To me, they are as much war casualties as those who died on the battlefield. Please take a moment to remember these casualties, too.
11 comments:
We didn't know that Americans did poppies too! We thought it was only a Commonwealth thing (at least the Americans around here wonder why we all wear poppies in early November, up until November 11th). In Canada, we honour those who gave their lives for our freedoms, as well as those who served and who continue to serve, on that day, Remembrance Day.
One of Mom's favorite shows ever is M*A*S*H. That show was wonderful for so many reasons. It showed how horrible war is, in so many different ways. It damages soldiers and their loved ones physically, mentally and emotionally. How could it not?
We honor both the dead and alive. They gave all and still give while they are alives.
Karen Jo, I think that was the most heartfelt tribute we have read this morning. Thank you.
Amen Karen Jo. Mommy works in Health Care and knows that you are right.
You are so right, Karen Jo. What a wunnerful, wise and warm tribute.
Kittyhugs and purrs from MaoMao.
How true! There are many casualties of war that do not die on the battlefield.
We're not sure we knew there is an actual Poppy Day. Jan distributed buddy poppies for the VFW for a few hours on Fri and then on Sat.
How true, dear Karen Jo. It is important to remember that war causes all kinds of casualties.
On this day, we give thanks to and honor those who have given so much.
Happy Memorial Day!
Purrs and snuggles from Marilyn.
Let us neverrr forrrget that frrreedom comes with a prrrice--
I am living in my new home next to a family who lost theirrr son rrrecently in the warrr in Irrraq.
It is a difficult time forrr them.
I am sending out purrrs and purrrayerrrs forrr all the Veterrrans and theirrr families.
Jade
Karen Jo, you are exactly right. Mom feels so bad for the ones who came back broken in many different ways. We are honor all the men and women who serve our country.
Roxy & Lucky
they definitely give ALL for our freedom and for those that come home we need to give our ALL to support them so that those tragedies don't happen. thank you for the reminder
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