|
|
Sahara
Member
|
|
|
Joined: 17 May 2002
Posts: 3345
|
| Back to top
|
|
 Posted: 05/30/05 - 19:21 Post subject: Memorial Day Parade
The kids and I went to a rainy morning Memorial Day parade. My 23 yo nephew who is on leave from the Army came with us. It's become tradition for us. In addition to the bands, antique cars, bagpipes, fife & drum corps, New Orleans style dixie-land band and the fire engines there were, of course, groups of veterans. I got shivers with each group. Always do.
Korean War
Vietnam War
WWII
Gulf War
Iraq War
It's the first year that they didn't have someone from WWI.
As we clapped for the many, many veterans I would lean forward to my youngest to remind him of our relatives that have served in that war (and the military in general). My dad was in the Korean War. BIL was in Vietnam. Brother was in Gulf War. Visiting nephew has served in Afghanistan. Grandma's uncle was a bombadiere in WWII.
I don't understand the draw to military service. I really don't. It's beyond my comprehension, I think. I've heard the reasons but I just don't get it. Maybe I don't want to get it. I think that war is horrible. Barbaric even. I avoid analyzing how those I love can respect have participated. I respect them as I know them and try to respect their choices and leave it at that.
Wishing all those who have served in the military, present and past, honor on this Memorial Day.
|
