Red, White and Blue

[DannyinJapan]

I am not sure I have the skill with words to express what I want to express, but these ideas have been burning in my consciousness for a week now and I think they are important and need to be said.

All of my life I knew the meaning of the flag, the anthems, those symbols of our country that we are supposed to respect and honor.
We know, because we have been taught, that the colors of our flag and the notes our our anthems stand for freedom and the price we pay for freedom.
We know, because we have been taught, that we should always remember "those who fought and died for us."

This is true. I won't deny it.

It has changed for me this year, though. I'd say the difference was enough to say that I didnt know the meanings of the colors and notes.

I have had two good friends die this year. One was a fromer marine and one was a bodyguard.

When I see the flag and hear the notes now, I dont think about any vague patriotic warmth.
I remember what good, kind, honest and gentle men these were. I remember how they died, lingering in comas, shot to death by a psychotic.

Now this isnt exactly the same as dieing in Iraq as a soldier, but now that I understand it this way, I understand it that way.

the colors of the flag and the notes of the anthem are not just vague colors and notes, they have specific meanings to me now. They are the names and bloodstains of YOUNG men who died bloody, wretched, awful deaths and their mothers didnt get to kiss them goodbye.

If that makes you cry, it should. the 4th of July and memorial day are the same holiday, but one is for saying "im sorry" and the other "thank you."

I gues I have done some more growing up this year, but it sure didnt make me any happier.

Let's hope 2005 is a year of birth and happiness.

 

[namaarie]

Danny,

Beautiful post. I, too, have been deeply affected by a veteran this year.

I know a Guardsman who got back from Iraq about about a year ago. He may be re-deployed soon. Transportation company, w/ little armor, being underfunded Nat'l Guard. But did he whine about that? No.

He's a father. His little girl is a Sophomore in HS. He's the HS Guidance councilor. He might miss her graduation. Does he whine? No.

I talked with him once about the war, and war in general. He said, "It's our job to keep people free." That's a quote. When I think of an American soldier, I think of this simple, selfless nobility. I think of him, my friend. It goes beyond the soldier aspect, though. He is a guy who *willingly*, stands up for what he believes is right. And he came home to tell about it. This deeply inspires me, and I think proves a point. May God, or whatever's out there keep him and all men and women like him safe. He is my link to those people, and he has changed my view on war, and indeed life in general. He made the idea of patriotism personal.


If he goes back, I will ask for smoke from you all. We should already be giving smoke to those overseas. These people have earned our reverence in ways I still cannot fully comprehend, and never will.

Happy holidays, all. Let us raise smoke for those who won't have such happy holidays. Let us raise smoke for those who enable us to have these holidays in comfort through their own sacrifice.

Best wishes, always.

Nam