Ok, so I'm Cdn, but my dad is still military.. this was very well written..

Thanks.

A.

Wow. That was wonderful. I do have a cousin that is my age that is in the military. I think that was a great way to pay tribute.

God Bless our troops, both past, present and future. It is to those who serve, that we owe thanks, for our freedom, our home and our lives. May the powers that be watch over them, guide them, and bring them home, no matter where that may be.

Leo & Tracey Romero
Philadelphia, PA

P.S. Thank you Wil for posting your friend's letter. It was truly remarkable.

My brother is an M.P. in the Canadian army, this is a wonderful tribute to people serving everywhere.

I don't know what to say.

Thank you very much.

I have much to think on.

It's this humanizing of the war machine that really strikes a sad note in me. I'm afraid I cannot sympathize.

Troops are troops. You can care for each other all you like, but if you believe for a moment that the numbers mean more to your politicians sending you to die and kill... I believe you are mistaken.

My wife is in the National Guard. She belongs to an Engineers Division whose responsibility it is to create and maintain headquarters for the brass. They are one of two or three units in the nation that do that. So, I get a little nervous whenever people start talking about 'going over there' and kicking a little tail. We have a little girl, 2 yrs old this June, and she doesn't like it too much when mom disappears for awhile out of the blue. It's happened for a total of about 9 weeks this last year, what with the Olympics and all. I can't imagine it happening for months at a time.

I just hope that should anything happen, those in power do a very thorough job of thinking things through.

Thanks for posting this essay, Wil. I have to admit that, most of the time, I hear "troops" without thinking of the people inside the word. On occasion, I think of the people, of individuals, that must be a part of "troop." I think of what they might be thinking; what they might be experiencing. It *is* moving to me - and I'm grateful for them, and the troops that have gone on before, and for what they've given for the good of our country.

Cuz, you know what? Despite the things that we have to complain about; the things we don't like; this is *still* a great country to call home.

god bless abuelito, papi, mis amigos, and all the vets out there. very well written. thanks!

god bless abuelito, papi, mis amigos, and all the vets out there. very well written. thanks!

Usually I just mindlessly agree with whatever you post Wil; but this took some hard thinking. Your friend is right, and I'll never hear the news about "troops" and think the same way again.

Wil, I think you succeded in making all of us more aware of of how the men and women in our miliatry services contribute to our lives, both in the past and in the present. JBAY'S announcement in the Soapbox was also sensitive and well taken.

And thanks very much to your veteran friends who expressed so beautifuly their thoughts on what it means to serve in the military. One can only feel a bit ashamed for not being more aware and thankful for the sacrifices of the many who serve and have served.

I picked up the phone and called an elderly veteran friend of mine who flew 32 missions over Germany as a bomber pilot...and never set foot on the ground! I had never really thought to thank him over the years, even after the many stories he has told me...so I thanked him and he was really appreciative.

My veteran friend and both my father and cousin all say the same thing about WWII and the Korean Wars in which they served..."We did what we had to do." And when they said that to me, in assorted conversations over the years, none of them ever asked for anything in return as far as appreciation or even a response. And I just took it all for granted.

So, to your friends and my friends and family I offer my thanks, appreciation and my promise to be more aware and sensitive to the needs of veterans. Best, Rob

Will,

I have a brother in the Navy who may be shipping out in December or January, my father and stepfather served in the Navy as well as my Grandfather. There are occasions though, when even I lose sight of who those nameless, faceless, "troops" are and your friends letter helped to remind me that some of those "troops" are my own family members. Thank you.

Jon-Paul

George W. Bush is far from a Jerkass. Jealous that the repubs and conservative values are storming the country? Your starting to sound like a hollywood elitist liberal.

Thanks for posting your friend's letter. She has written a touching and quite remarkable essay. I am glad I am alive and living in this country, too.

Well it only took 13 comments for the assclown to show up.

Way to miss the point, jackhole.

Wil,

Once upon a time the date 11/11 meant Armistice Day. A Celebration of peace, and the soldiers who help preserve that peace. I am always amazed that the change of the name of the day to Veterens Day somehow sometimes is supposed to mean something different, when it does not. Today is not about Celebrating just the soldier, but the peace the soldier helps to bring.

Shrub (little Bush, our current de facto leader) doesn't get that message, and that's where a big part of the problem lies. Mr. Prediletto, the country isn't swinging to the right - only the people who actually voted. If only 40% of the country votes and only 55% of them vote the Bush way, that's only 22% of the country. BIIIIG Mandate there....

(off soapbox and back to topic)

I'm a draft-dodging SOB myself, and I think your words (and those quoted) are fantastic. You can hate war and all it stands for, but not the soldiers who do what they do. Today's American military is voluntary (as opposed to earlier times like Vietnam) and it's work most of us wouldn't or couldn't do.

Soldiers have the right to this day because of the results they fight for, and I have no problem giving it to them.

Semper Fi

It's very hard reconciling how I feel about the military and its political aspects, and this very articulate and meaningful essay posted on WWDN.

On the one hand, it's a damn good point. The people who are sent to fight are people too. We can't discount that.

On the other hand, there is the entire question of whether we have needed to be so militarized in the past 20 years, and whether our political machine has made even mediocre decisions at best as to how to use our military.

Yes, there is a need to be prepared. But how prepared?

Yes, the United States is a superpower. But does this give us the right to interfere in the workings of other nations?

How will attacking Iraq fix the situation? How will destroying even more foreign lives help curb terrorist groups that feed off the hate and fear provoked in part by these attacks?

Thanks for posting this, Will, and thank you, Mystery ServiceLady, for writing it. What a lot of people need to do a lot more of is thinking about things just like this, and coming up with conclusions themselves.

Today, we stand as Americans, not just because of our loyalty to this country but the many Americans whom serve to keep us standing, yes, Wil is one of many Americans who believe W. is a dork.

Thanks Wil.

(Former) USNavy Electricians Mate 1st Class - Submarines (Nuclear)

With all the GWB bashing that Wil indulges in on this site, let me add something different along these lines.

Not only am I thankful for our troops, but I am thankful that we have a President that's not afraid to use our power for good.

"With great power comes great responsibility".

It's popular nowadays to be cynical and say that all politicians care about is their reelection. And after Clinton, it's not surprising. (This is not Democrat bashing; I have no problem in saying that Carter, flawed as he was, tried to do the right thing most of the time). I believe that Bush sees Iraq as a long-term threat that needs to be taken care of now, rather than years down the road when he really does get weapons of mass destruction.

I think we need to learn the lessons of history. All the same arguments were used back in the 1930s when Hitler was going on his rampage. Imagine how many lives could have been saved if the world had acted when Germany was weak, rather than reacted once they had taken over a few countries.

Imagine where we'd be if we had allowed Heissein to take over Kuwait -- and then move into Saudi Arabia, as he was planning.

The United States has always been about something greater. Greater ideals. As the world's superpower, it's our responsibility to act, even when those acts may not be popular.

When Iraq is disarmed, and the second-guessers start coming and saying that it was unnecessary, etc, etc, I will see a country that acted -- before the great war started.

"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility".

The problem with using that "great power" is that using it as a giant ballpeen hammer isn't always the best use. Attempting to crush when that will only garner more terrorist sympathy... that's just not thinking it through.

> Attempting to crush when that will only garner more terrorist sympathy...

There are two things to say to this argument:

1) History shows this not to be the case. During the 80s, Khadafi in Libya was promoting terrorism all over the world. We bombed them. How much came out of Libya after that? Not a whole lot. Then I could ask, how many Nazis were created when we bombed Germany? Not a whole lot.

2) And even if we did "create more of them", so what? What's the alternative, run away, hide, and hope they go away? No -- you keep hunting them down. You make sure they have absolutely no safe harbors, like Afghanistan used to.

Let me say one last thing about this. I think it's intrinsically racist to say that we'll just create more of "them" by attacking Iraq. That presumes that all Arabs and/or Muslims are just terrorists waiting to happen. Because we put hunt down violent skinheads, does that mean were just breeding more white people to turn into skinheads?

I believe that most Arabs and Muslims are horrified at how their people and religion are corrupted in the name of terrorism (although, the Palastinians challenge me every day on this view). I think that most in their heart of hearts are hoping we take care of business and bring peace to their lands.

I'm not saying we tuck our tail between our legs and run yapping under the couch.

I just happen to think that declaring war on an impoverished country isn't the most politic, nor is it the most humane or well-thought-through choice ever made.

By bombing people who (largely) support their leader, all we do is piss them off more. This is true of anybody, Muslim or Christian or Hindu. Notice the United States' retaliation to the WTC attack? Near ruthless bombing of Afghanistan. We were pissed off. We took action.

By using the WTC as an implicit excuse to bomb our "arch-enemy" Saddam Hussein, we are moving towards being as negatively destructive as those we claim to work against. Yes, he's a badbad man who hurts people, but can we honestly say that the United States has been clean-handed in our foreign dealings?

"I think that most in their heart of hearts are hoping we take care of business and bring peace to their lands."

The West has had a long, storied history of interfering in Middle Eastern politics, with the Palestinian/Israeli conflict being the most glamorous and publicized. I'd be interested to know whether "most" want our noses back in their business anymore to the extent that we tell them what to do and bomb their neighbor because we don't agree with him.

Thanks for the nice letter, Wil...and thanks to all who recognize those of us who served and those of us who are currently serving our great country. While each of us may not agree 100% whole-heartedly with another individual...it is because of our nation's "troops" (family, friends and loved ones all) that we, as Americans, have the freedoms we cherish so. Don't take 'em for granted...they're precious.

Thanks again,
Mark
(former USNavy Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class)

every year on veterans day i go to the local american legion for their veterans day ceremony...what touches me most about these men who served so long ago is that i can see that they would willingly do it all again if they could...these men served our country well then...and they continue to serve it now as reminders of the human factor in wartime...when you see them up close and personal you get beyond the x's and o's of battle planning...and see that real people fight for us in our wars when called by our government...many of these people saw their fellow soldiers fall in combat too bloody for hollywood to portray in a movie...and many of the survivors came back seriously injured in body...and seriously scarred in mind...every year i see fewer and fewer familiar faces at the veterans day ceremony from world war II...and even the korean war...they are all getting older and soon there will be none of them among us...but while they are still here it would be good of us to thank them...and listen to what they have to say of the hell that is war.

Wow... thank you for posting that. Especially now, we need to remember the true cost of Bush's egomaniacal war.

1) It's a double-edged fate they they can quote "troops killed" and no one bats an eyelash. I feel we've been deconstructed enough from the Vietnam War era not to consider "troops" to be Dad, Brother, Mom, Sister, Cousin, Neighbor. On the other hand, in the era of newfound patriotism, how else to recognize those who have made the Ultimate Sacrifice? They started to read all the names on The Wall a few days ago. All 50,000-some casualties. "Troops", if you will. Each one with a name adn with family and friends.

2) Back in the (First?) Gulf War, a friend was deployed, and he reported that he was having a hard time finding shampoo. Our little group of friends, along with others in the SF network of friends, sent him *boxes and boxes* of little shampoo bottles. :)

When we go over, admitted, thanks to 9/11 the rules will be different, I fully support sending those little "boxes" of home over. Politics or not, we still care for our people.

Nice! Thanks! I'm ex-Air Force (5 years) and was in Germany for 13 years total. Worst part was, I was there for the entire run of ST-TNG and had to wait a whole year to see episodes on AFN TV ;)

Van

Okay, Iraq is an impoverished country. Do you know why? Do you want to know how a country that controls some of the worlds largest oil reserves can be impoverished? It is because that country uses most of its money to fund research and to hire scientists that can arm that country with chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. It uses its money to buy tanks and planes from truly impoverished countries of the former USSR and Eastern Block. It uses its money to help aid organizations that further its goals and attack its enemies. Iraqi people could stand against the Hussein regime, but they chose not to. If they wanted change as much as you think they do, then they would be trying to help the US and the UN oust Hussein. I am sure there are disaffected people in that country. I am sure there are people who want him out. Heck, there are people here who don't like the government we have and we lack nothing. I don't see how ousting Hussein can have anything except positve repurcussions on the entire world as we know it. Of course, the Arab countries are going to be pissed. They are benefiting from Hussein. He is aiding their AntiWest organizations. Saudi Arabia, whose ass we have saved consistantly for the last forty or so years, spawned the Taliban and Al Qaeda. These people bombed the USS COLE, the Pentagon and the WTC. They have kidnapped Americans. They have bombed our embassies. They have routinely attacked our soldiers in foriegn ports. Where does anyone get off saying that is all about being pissed over the WTC?! THis is about being pissed off at people who target and kill innocent people. THIS IS ABOUT STANDING UP TO A LITTLE PISSANT BULLY THAT EVERYONE IS TO TOO PUSSY TO DEAL WITH! Who cares if it bothers some people's pacifist views? No matter what happens they are going to gripe anyway? Why didn't you do this? Why didn't you do that? You know what. They have a lot more information than we do. I am sure they will make the decision that needs to be made. Thank you very much.
I will get off of my little soap box now. God bless all vets and active duty. Without them, we wouldn't have any of the freedoms that we routinely indulge in!! They keep us free to do and say what we feel. Surely even elitist liberals can be thankful for that!
...Angela

Wil, your friend is mistaken in thinking that all 'civilians' don't care about the troops. Anyone with a mind that thinks, knows they are people, just like you and me. They do a job I don't want to do. But I have never, and WILL NEVER lessen the value of someone else's life because I don't know them. I feel upset when I hear of anyone dying, even prisoners on death row - because a part of me cannot bear it. Frankly, I am amazed at the attitude of people who don't care. How simple it must be for them to not feel at all.

Both W. and his father agonized over the decision each time they sent our troops off to war. They both understood that those are sons/daughters/husbands/wives/mothers/fathers. These decisions aren't made, as some would think, to satisfy their own ego. They are made because they believe it is the right thing to do to make the world a better place. Now you can disagree with the decision to send troops or not, thats cool. But shame on you for thinking that W. would send American lives into harms way to satisfy his own ego.

Wil,
I know some vets and that was very well written. To me they will never be just numbers.

FG

Finding a way to show your appreciation for the people that put it on the line so we can feel more secure is a very hard thing to do, and I think that was a wonderful way to achieve that.

Thanks Wil.

Yesterday (cause Australia remains a day ahead of the US) was remembrance day in this part of the world.

Please remember everyone, the victims of wars who served on the front lines or on the home front, on all sides of wars past and future. Mums and dads, sons and daughters, from all around the world, who have needlessly suffered because of powerful mens egos.

*speechless*
Beautiful letter.

'Peers you're finally learning to swim, Wil. ;)

'Tis truly pleasing to see your multiple perspectives.

Take care.
-Jet

Wil, thank you for posting your friend's tribute.

Coming from a family that has served in the military, I appreciate the respect that you've shown to our servicemen & servicewomen in your blog today.

To my late grandfather, one of the "Red Arrow Men" who served in WWII, and came home with the firm belief that war films were just another kind of pornography.

To the retired Master Sgt (USMC) who directed the throwing of the birdseed at our wedding: "And you may proceed to fire when your target is in view!"

To the submariner who offered to play pipes as I walked down the aisle.

To the retired Marine captain and her Airborne husband, who continue to honor the spirits of their commission, even though their tours of duty are done.

To the petty officer who takes such glee in helping me plan surprise parties.

To all our veterans who actually spent their blood, sweat, and tears in service, and don't need to brag about having been in a war. And shame on those of our politicians, of any age, who beat the war drums from behind the safety of their desks.

Cool Wil cool. :) I like what the Canadians call this day "Rememberance Day" And another cool thing is the poem a Canadian soldier wrote.
In Flanders Field
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

I'd like to go on record by saying not only did I not have the day off, but I've been preparing for this day for over a week.

Thanks!

In the late middle of WWII, a German officer took his men up into the mountains.
"it's over", he told them....
We're going to lose....
leave your uniforms behind, and try not to get killed...now get out of here..."

Satisified that the young men were well on their way to saving their skins, and running their asses off to the nearest border, he walked back down off the mountain...

right into the american front.

Thats my Opa (grandfather)

February 14th 1945

Dresden was fire bombed.

Those that hang their heads in shame over Hiroshima and Nagasaki and their 120,000 dead, often forget about Dresden....
and it's 135,000...

but this isn't about blame, or why's or whose faults...

its about a woman that happens to be living in a house when a bomb comes straight through her ceiling..

it definitely came as a surprise...

and what's more...it didn't explode....

it just stayed their...kind of hanging....
and everytime the bombs went off...it would just sort of shudder...
and who knows?
maybe if the house shakes enough during the next pass of allies...
it will go off...

that night, and the next night, the bombs rained down on Dresden.

and the scary part...
more people died of asphyxiation...
all the oxygen needed to feed a fire the size of an entire city...
well..
it doesn't leave much left to breathe.

well, this lady manages to live through the 2 worst nights..
and finally during a lull...
her sister and her grab 2 baby carriages, two babies...and all the clothes they can find and leave...
and run.

sometimes sleeping in barns..
sometimes in fields..
the just ran...

they ran right into the russian front...

and just before they were about to get raped by some extreemly over zealous russian soldiers (and lets be fair..russians weren't exactly keen on germans at this point, after their country had been burnt to cinders by them)
an officer came running up and saved them..

the lady is my Oma (grandmother..as if you didn't see that coming)

the baby in the carriage is my mom...

German.

which just goes to show..
that all over the world.
regardless of what side you fight for.
regardless of what colour you are.
or what your religion is.

there are ..
in the end..

no good guys
or bad guys..

just us.

sorry for the rant..

but i wanted to write something that meant something..

thanks wil

and just for the record..
i agree with you and your politics 100%....

"It is the soldier, not the reporter,
Who has given us freedom of the press.

"It is the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of speech.

"It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.

"It is the soldier, who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag."
--Charles M. Province

Thank you for this. The "military" is our friend next door, our son, our daughter, our father or mother. Up here in Santa Cruz, when people are protesting military involvement, I think they forget that the military is made up of people.

I have a different take on flying the flag. IT's not about "how patriotic I can be" but the flag is a symbol of the men and women who have been wounded and died fighting under it, regardless of whether it was a just or unjust war. They deserve to be remembered and respected.

Bernie

Artisticspirit--- thank you for an inspired poem.
I had the priveiledge of serving with Canandian soldiers during reforger 1984, in bavaria.
I served 9 years and it is nice to feel as though it counts....Thank you

Yes... it's true, Bush is a jerkass. Don't you think he looks like a monkey.
That was very well written. I have a few family members that served. Also, My great uncle died in World War II. Thank you for that... It means a lot.

That was beautiful, Wil. Thanks for sharing. My father is in the Royal Australian Navy, so it really hit home.

That you think of things like this is a testament to the caring person you are.

In other news, there's a TNG marathon on Aussie cable this month. Whoo!

http://www.startledfrog.com/beretwearingelitist/

Just a couple quick comments: the comment she had heard about "I wouldn't have served in Viet Nam" or whatnot is rather amazing in that it's a very fascist suggestion and doubtless came from a liberal. The military MUST go where it is sent by the government. They implement policy. They do not set it. They go where the government (which ultimately means us) sends them, and I for one don't WANT them to say "no" when they're told where to go. I don't WANT them setting policy.

And this brings me to my second comment. I don't want them setting policy because I'm a queer, and to me, the word "troops" pretty much means "armed bigots who would bash my head in with a bat if they had half a chance, and probably get away with it." That's a perspective that I don't think your friend has ever thought of, I'll bet. If I or a gay man, one of MY comrades in a hostile world, were to enter into *her* world, we could be in as much fear for our lives from those noble "troops" as from the Taleban.

I will not ennoble that, not wholesale like that. Individual people serving, possibly. Depending on their opinions of whether or not I deserve to live. But "troops" as a blanket noun? Never.

And don't tell me they defend my liberty. Like I said, I or a gay brother might be in just as much danger from one of our "troops" as from any foreign terrorist.

Mr Wheaton,

First off, as a Soldier I thank you for posting such a wonderful write-up that really does describe the situation. As impressed as I was with the post I was equally dissappointed with your decision to take a cheap shot at President Bush. Yes we protect your right to free speech and I respect it. I, however, am now excercising my right to free speach. I felt that you devalued your friends tribute just a bit by taking a holiday of honor and rememberance and using it as a platform to espouse your hate for Mr Bush. Please understand it is not censorship that I am trying to force on you. I am just a bit disturbed and the lack of dignity and respect for Veteran's Day. This is not a day of political mud slinging. It is a day of rememberance.

Long. But well worth it!

Thank you to all who served and are serving in the United States Military at all levels.

We must not take the security of our country for granted! God Bless!

Brian, George W. Bush deserves every shot he gets, so much so that none of them that are taken can be called "cheap." What you fail to understand is that as much honor as our solldiers are due, Bush detracts from our homage by using our fellow citizens wrongly in a pissing contest for oil. Our military does too much to have a child leading them as if they had sprung forth from a special footlocker on Christmas Day. If anything, days like Veterans' Day should be used to criticize our government MORE than usual because such criticism is the very essence of our system of government/collective dream. You do your nation a disservice by blindly following Bush not only with your body, but with your heart and mind. Wake up.

Brian, you may have been offended by Wil's comment that George W. is a "jerkass", but his point is that our veterans fought for our freedoms. This includes the right to criticize our political leaders because we do NOT live in a dictatorship, where your thoughts and speech can land you in prison, ala Nazi Germany.

wow Patton. Could your nose be any further up WW's butt?!?

Re-Read Brian's comment. He's right about Wil's cheap shot.

Relax and smoke another sweet one dude and quit hitting YOUR snooze button and learn the meaning of respect toward an individual who represents a line of work which in the end and like the countless before him, protect your whiny ass (and mine too). Brian's 10,000 times the man Wil could ever try to be.

I mean, Wil sits in front of a computer typing out witty snotty commentary while Brian and the like hold weapons in their hands and meet odds and challenges face to face.

You are brave behind this medium but me thinks in the real world that you'd somehow pale in contrast to the likes of a Brian.

Thank you, Brian -- for your true sacrafice -- even if it's for pipsqueeks like me, Patton and Wil.

Peace.
-Jet

You realize you're thanking the veterans for the ability to call their leader a jerkoff.

...

Thank you Wil. I can not imagine what all of our troops, past or present, have gone through. Sure I could listen to my Uncles' stories of Vietnam, if they talked about it. I could watch the "realistic" movies of war. I don't really understand it. And won't until I experience the horror first hand. Hopefully because of these troops, I will never have to. I will put all my trust and faith in them and forever have the most up most respect for them.

I worked for awhile for a company that arranged for all of the militaries moves from base to base, country to country. I can not tell you how many invoices I had to process of soldier who had passed away overseas and we had to arrange for personal items to be shipped home. It was the closest I have ever come to war. The closest I hope I have have to come.
Peace, love, and hugs to all our military folks!

Mmm, the sniping has gotten even more petty and uninformed. Joy.

It's very hard to be a fascist and a liberal, Janis. Pick one.

Are military men more "manly" because they can shoot guns and because they will follow endless orders? The idea of the supreme male who is buff and can disassemble an M-16 in 10 seconds and has a buzz-cut is socially constructed - it is not necessarily true, because our society has chosen it arbitrarily as the "ideal" male.

Many people who enter the military now, many people my age, go in because they have little else; college is not an option, and the military will pay them, clothe them, and put food in their bellies, guaranteed. Yes, they willingly sacrifice themselves for my, and your, well-being every time there is armed confrontation.

Does that make them incredibly better people, so much so that we need to bash civilians for not being so brave?

There's a poem, written by a man who served in WWI (the War to End All Wars), pointing at the irony in the idea of how good and brave it is to die for one's country. He watched men, his friends, die horribly or live half-lives, disfigured from bomb hits and mustard and chlorine gas clouds.

I don't envy our troops one bit. Their job is hard, dangerous, and they do it because in some cases it must be done. And I honor them for that.

But don't say that just because someone is in the military that a civilian, particularly one that happens to disagree with how things are done, that they are more of a man, whatever that means or matters. It's rude, and it's as potentially biased as you say that "liberal" man is.

No, I don't have my nose up Wil's ass. I do, however, agree with the idea that no good will come of a society that sits, complacent, while a select few make choices for all. It's not what this country was ostensibly founded on, nor is it what any soldier will tell you he or she is fighting for.

That's it. I'm going to bed.

I'm former Air Force myself (4 years) and I have to say that I was very touched by this letter. I served with the Air Intelligence Agency Honor Guard for 3 years and the signifigance of Veteran's Day was made clear to me at every funeral in which we rendered honors, in every parade in which we marched, in every ceremony in which we participated. The ideas of self-sacrifice and duty were never made more apparent than at every funeral in which I folded the flag, placed three shells from the firing party in the flag, and presented it to the next of kin in recognition of their loved one's service to our country.

My grandfather served in the Army during WWII and Korea as an EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) technician. My father served with Army Special Forces during Viet Nam. Being that I'm now third generation military, it didn't really dawn on me just how much they both sacrificed to serve their country. My father told me of some of his times in Viet Nam; how during one firefight with VC troops, one of his best friends was killed right next to him. I will never forget the price paid by them both to ensure that we continue to enjoy the freedoms that many take for granted today.

The next time that you meet a veteran, shake their hand and say "thank you." Those of us who served have never asked for much but hearing that sentiment of appreciation really does make all the difference in the world.

SrA Clint A, Air Intelligence Agency, 668th LS

I also have had and do have family in the services and fighting an obvious threat to our way of life, even at the possible loss of love ones is what made this country great. For those who come after. even to ensure the liberty for you to disrespect another by calling them a jack ass because you don't agree with their political association just as I can call you a boob.

Thanks Wil! That meant more than you know.

SSgt David B. Barker
Ramstein Air Base, Germany

Sure, Bush is a jerkoff.

You say he's so very concerned about soldiers, and agonizes about sending them into combat?

He's not very concerned about the people who have lost their life's savings. He's not concerned about the families who will live in poverty and lose needed medical care because his friends robbed them on a grand scale. I cannot trust a man like that to care about anyone.

You'd better believe *I* value soldiers. You'd better believe *I* respect them and what they do. Do I respect their Commander in Chief? No.

I wonder what soldiers will do when he tries to dismember the Constitution they have sworn to protect.

Wils post, and the post by the German, Tyson, summed the whole thing up pretty well for me.
All the soldiers we see and here about, whether they are British, American, German, Russian, Japanese or even (shock, horror!) Iraqi, in the end they are PEOPLE first. People with hopes and fears, loves and hates.
In the end, we are all human. By our actions we can raise ourselves to become better humans, or like Saddam and Hitler, we can can forfiet our humanity altogether through evil acts.
In the end, veterans of any war, on any side, are brave people who went through and survived more than most, usually because they thought that it was the right thing to do. Its something to remember.

Tysons post also illustrated another important point. No war only effects the bad guys. If we go wading into Iraq, then there will be thousands, if not more, people who have to endure what Tysons Oma had to endure, if not worse. Just people. Families. Its not their fault that Saddam is an A-Grade Fuckhead, but they will suffer far more than he will before any Unilateral action is finished.
I've asked this question before, and I will ask it again (although my expectations of getting a straight answer are diminishing). Is war the ONLY way to deal with Saddam? IF there are better alternatives, should we not take them?

Oh, and by the way. Iraq is impoverished for many reasons. One of which is that Saddam diverts money from the state for his own uses, and another is called UN Sanctions. Iraq can't sell anything to most of the rest of the world. That means that a big chunk of money is not available to them. Just a point.

I now sit back and wait for the inevitable tirade of bullshit that will be aimed in my direction by every Right-Wing psycho who needs to wear a bib to catch their drool. Put down the guns for five minutes and THINK!

Why is it that the U.S. Military Budget is so high and bloated, but peace and conservation groups like the Peace Corps and Americorps have traditionally been dreadfully underfunded and treated like some bloated federal bureaucracy? Misguided principles. It is sad.
The U.S. Military could be used as an incredible force for peace and discovery. Science and understanding. Not just a vehicle for land mines which kill innocents, running useless drills (like needlessly bombing Puerto Rico and using sonar which kill and maim whales), and of course, being used as a tool to control natural resources for the wealthy. War is not good energy policy. War=death. It may seem cheezy, but Gene Roddenberry had a wonderful vision of the future, where the "military" not only explored defense, but science and discovery, philosophy and culture. What an ideal!
Instead, we have Jerkass pResident G.W. Bush, who went AWOL from the Air National Guard. Don't believe me? Do a quick web search or check the National Review. Daddy got him into the ANG just to stay out of Vietnam in the first place. The few, the privileged, the Bushes.
Semper Fucked.
-Sam

Wil,
Thank you for sharing your friend's writing. It's beautiful and perfect.

Ness

Hi Wil,

My kudos to your friend who wrote this. Having served in the Marines '82 - '88, I can say this rings true to most veterans. We don't ask for thanks and most don't expect it.

It is true, I keep going back to the recruiter her to see if they'll take me back. He nods knowingly and smiles, then says I'll be called if needed and I know he is just being nice, my time is past.

At age 18 you are invincible. It wasn't until 1983, when I saw men who were my friends come back in crates draped by the flag from Beirut, I realized what I was doing in the Marines.

You realize you the reason you are here is to protect what thousands have fought for since the revolutionary war...Freedom.

Thanks again for publishing this and I'd like to pass this on to others, but would like to credit it before doing so, is it possible to get the credit information?

Regards,

Stuart

Thanks Linus. Now tell us the true meaning of Christmas.

Thats not true, at least in this area (SW Pa. ) about people looking at soldiers killed in duty as just "troops", especially if they have had their own family serve. I can't believe that the majority of Americans are that wrapped up in their lives that they forget the sacrifices made by the people in uniform. My dad, and his three brothers all served at the same time in WWII. I can not even imagine what my grandmother went through. If in now, or served, you are a special part of this country. Always and forever, and I tip my hat to you.

Thanks Fluffy....

It's Tuesday Morning here...and I've just loaded up wils site to see what others had written...
wow...
it's really sad to see the amount of venom and nastiness people can pour into their little diatribes to support or tear down an opinion....

anyhow, fluffy....
i just wanted to say thanks for what you wrote...

seeing your post, after so many that were just either hatefull, or whatever...
well, yours was really nice to read....

cheers

tyson

Patton,

I thank you for your reply, even if it is misguided. I do not blindly follow President Bush or any other leader. I served 4 years under Clinton and did my duty then too even though I didn't like him. There is a difference between blindly following and upholding your oath. I do not agree with the President on everything. To take a day meant to honor veterans and use it to cheap shot the president is just probably a tactic I would not do myself.

We preserve Democracy, we don't practice it. The problem with many civilians also, is that you don't see how it was under Clinton, and how much Military life HAS improved under Bush. Do not assume we blindly follow him. He delivered on many promises Clinton broke. He has failed us as well, but his track record is better.

Veterans day should honor Veterans and not be used to insult their commander in chief.

Wil--

Thanks for publishing your friend's articulate and thought-provoking letter.

My brother-in-law just graduated from advanced special training at Fort Meade, and we're not sure where he's going to be sent next. This letter really made me think about that.

Although I don't agree with our current leadership's foreign policy, it's important to remember that our soldiers and sailors are just doing their jobs, jobs that most of us (myself included) would be too chicken to do.

I for one, am incredibly grateful to our men and women in uniform.

I'm also glad to see and hear that people who disagree with the upcoming conflict in Iraq aren't taking it out on our military personnel. During the Vietnam War, protesters in the U.S. would spit on people in uniform. That's just wrong.

By contrast, my brother-in-law was in uniform on the streets of DC the other day, and passed by a group of protesters outside the White House. One of them actually said to him, "I'm sorry, this isn't about you."

I thought that was a nice gesture. After all, plenty of military men and women are no fans of Dubya (he never served, other than a token spell in the Alabama National Guard, and I think they distrust him as much as they distrusted Clinton), and plenty of them disagree with this ridiculous "war" in Iraq. But they have a job to do, and they do it damn well.

So, thanks.

i can't help but read that skeptically. i think that by and large, americans do honor and respect the military, and when we hear "3 army special forces died today in somalia", america feels a tremendous loss, and feels affected by it.

however, we hear so much less, care so much less, about civilian casualties in those countries we have deployed our troops. america mourns very little for foreign civilian victims of american military murder, rape, pillaging, destruction. we overthrow foreign democracies and replace them with brutal dictatorships, but typical americans don't respond to this. i don't think it's because americans don't care, if they only knew and understood what was really going on, if we weren't so indoctrinated by propoganda from our government and media, things could be so different.

so for me, veteran's day, yeah, let's honor the men and women who have chosen to honor their country by risking their lives. i'm all for that. i know the vast majority of those serving are in there for the right reasons. but let's not forget what the cost of all this is, let's not forget everyone else who has such deep stakes in globalized conflicts, global struggles for freedom and liberty and democracy. and let's not forget to honor them too.

Thanks, that really made me think. I know people in Zimbabwe who are being forced into the military for it's propaganda potential. Next time I hear "troops" I will think of them.

As the son of a 24yr career US Army soldier, I deeply appreciate the words on the actual site. My father sacrificed greatly to make a wage that had us below the poverty line for much of his career. He did so gladly, serving beyond the normal retirement term, and only left when he could no longer stand the dissolution of military values and ethics under then-CiC Bill Clinton.

My family has a long standing history with the military, I've personal friends in the service, and have known many a soldier/airman/gyrine/etc as acquaintances. They all do a job most of us could not concieve of doing at any price, for about the same money as the guy that pumps your gas.

I salute those who have worn the uniform, and their families that supported them. They say the hardest job in the Army is Wife, and I watched it takes its' toll on my Mother (also a veteran).

My salute goes also to those who serve other countries as well. There are militaries wherein the soldier actively are butchers and baby-killers, but the vast majority are not. They are hard-working men and women that choose the ultimate sacrifice of placing themselves bodily before those that threaten their home and loved ones.

Bravo to you who serve.

Very thought-provoking piece. I'm not in the Bush League by any means; I don't think he's qualified for the job. But I do support the men and women of the armed forces, and respect their sacrifices on our behalf. My father served in the Air Force for 20 years. My mother worked at the local VFW for even longer, providing in her own way daily service and recognition to lonely folks who had seen horrible things in their lives in service to the US.

My brother is currently in Army Special Ops - anti-terrorism is his raison d'etre. His service record reads like a Tour of Nightmares: Desert Storm, Panama, Colombia, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan. He knows that there are lots of people out there who don't know and don't care about the incredible risks he's taken to serve our nation, and the horrific things he's seen in doing so. But you will not find a guy more certain and at peace with the role he's played in defending the interests of our nation and of peace in the world.

You will also never find a father more devoted to his 10-year-old son, and therein lies his largest source of conflict over what he does. How can a man who loves his son stay in such a dangerous profession? I think he would argue that he does it for his son, and the millions of other kids like him, so that they can grow up with peace and prosperity and freedom, instead of fear in a world dominated by thugs. To him these concepts aren't cliches, because he's seen what happens to kids his boy's age in other countries when evil is left to its own devices - the legacy of neaderthal tyrants who think nothing of killing innocents to make a point, seeing their people starve to fund weapons programs, or strapping bombs to their own children's bellies and sending them onto crowded buses... who twist religion into a (very effective) tool to justify and implement megalomaniac ambition. We talk about stopping terrorists; my brother and his comrades put everything on the line to do so.

Am I eager to see him go to Iraq? Of course not. I hope fervently that things won't come to that. But if he does, you bet your ass I'll be supporting him and all the troops as they enforce the will of our government and of the U.N. I hope you will too.

Wil,
Thank you for sharing this reprint with us.

My dad is a Vietnam war veteran. He was drafted which of course all of you know he had no choice in joining the military. He fought someone else's war in someone else's land with no choice, after all he was "just doing his duty".

My dad to this day still carries physical and emotional scars of that time in his life. I feel lucky that he survived and was able to come home.
For those who lost loved ones, I can only show my respect, but I do it honestly and solemnly.

Regardless of what anyone says of the war he was involved in, I am damned proud of my father, as should anyone be of any families of friends who went through this experience.

Can anyone tell my one good thing Bush has done? Don't bring out that 9/11 stuff again, and war doesn't count as a good thing. What has he accomplished? Seriously. Something more tangible than a more patriotic country, or some nonsense like that. Please. Someone tell me something good that he's done.

OOOORAH!

Great words, and Will, you and I dont see eye to eye on politics, but that is A-OK, you are still a good guy, an American, you vote (I hope you do at least...) and well worth fighting for.

I was in the Coast Guard for close to 5 years (ST (Sonarman)) and boarding crew member.

I have relatives who/were in the AF, Army, Marines, Navy - from WWII, Korean Conflict, Vietnam War/Police Action, Grenada (me), Panama (me), Desert Storm and the present day War on Terror and know that all the service members joined (key word) to protect you and I (and all of your relatives) so we could have differing opinions on politics and life.

Semper Paratus
from an Coastie (ex)

First, I personally don't believe we need to be stomping on Iraq right now. I'm not convinced that they are an imminent threat. But I haven't got all the information, and so, I must trust that those who have been elected are doing their level best in responding to the information they have.

The article is right in pointing out that troops are people, and we must never misuse them.

It is wrong to indict most civilians as people who don't care about their military. To say such is to misunderstand civilians as much as she thinks civilians misunderstand troops.

Hollywood, for all the flack it gets, has done a tremendous service in bringing the reality of war to front with films like Saving Private Ryan.

In all of it, I find comfort that God is still in control, and He can bring meaning and good into seeming endless darkness.

Im glad you're not blinded to the point where you hate our armed forces, like others who claim the same politics as you. Thank you for not letting ignorance blind your view.

I appreciate your candor, and your message. Why do you push Vice City on your site? It's licensed by a company you hate, and isn't really a "human-life friendly" kind of game, either.

Just what the fuck do you know about Veterans day? your a peace-nik coward who would have run to canada if you had to fight for this country. wil lets face facts your a LOSER. people see through you left-wing nuts. Your masks came off at the paul wellstone rally, I mean memorial(haha). liberals are the most arrogant, low class, scum of the earth. That's why most actors are liberals, pure self-absorbed vanity. now you've got nancy pelosi to save your party, a complete crazy whore. she will be trying to declare a national trans-gendered holiday, you stupid pukes!!! now go lay by your dish you liberal spineless dogs.

>>Why do you push Vice City on your site? It's >>licensed by a company you hate, and isn't >>really a "human-life friendly" kind of game, >>either.

Wil... (and like the many other Wil-ites herein -- they're usually the one's thanking him profusely re: his words and usually the one's following him around to events... imho) anyhoo, Wil is a massive hypocrite in this way.

I'd be more impressed with him if he'd at least admit that. I mean, here he is plunkin around with LINUX now -- but like he never used Micro$oft products before. But then he caps on Micro$oft. Whatever. Wil and his Wil-ites need to grow up and embrace the real world where sometimes to get by, you need to make compromises and certain concessions -- such as use products made by makers who are less than noble. These are the same people (especially Wil) who bitch about Bush and Iraq claiming it's about oil while driving around in a car that uses... what's the stuff called? Oh yeah -- gasoline and oil!!!

Like I said. Whatever.

But I do like visiting his dweeby site for all funny exchanges and entertainment.

peace.

-Henry

hollywood pig. communist garbage you spew on your site. rot in hell traitor. democrats=party of nothing. Conservatives will kick your liberal lilly asses!!!

Me thinks jesse sharpton needs a little hug.

You bet your poop Wil would run off to Canada but c'mon now. It's not worth you having a brain aneurysm over. I mean, are your keyboard keys still intact?

Radar rocks!

-Henry

Okay now Jesus. You truly need to calm yourself and get your center adjusted.

Lookit mister! Behave yourself and take your pills.

For poops sake!

btw -- do you know jesse sharpton?

-Henry

Everyone now:

Kum ba yah, my lord, Kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my lord, Kum ba yah!
Kum ba yah, my lord, Kum ba yah.
O Lord, Kum ba yah

Someone's crying, Lord, Kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, Kum ba yah!
Someone's crying, Lord, Kum ba yah!
O Lord, Kum ba yah

Someone's singing, Lord, Kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, Kum ba yah!
Someone's singing, Lord, Kum ba yah!
O Lord, Kum ba yah

Someone's praying, Lord, Kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, Kum ba yah!
Someone's praying, Lord, Kum ba yah!
O Lord, Kum ba yah

Trolls are stupid. They can't even write well.

I only take seriously the ones who can tell the different between "your" and "you're", and are vaguely articulate in their speech.

Otherwise, LAME.

I'm with you mr. kgb man!

Now lets analyze YOUR writing...

>>I only take seriously the ones who can tell the different between "your" and "you're", and are vaguely articulate in their speech.

Now, are you using the word 'different' correctly here? C'mon now. Think mister. Think!

Sure as poop you should always review before posting.

Buh bye now.

Yeah, that's what typing at 1AM will get you.

Boy, are my ears red.

And for the record, I'm a girl. Clicking links can earn you knowledge points!

Who's idea was it to let women in the military again? It's the worst thing to happen since we let the niggers vote.

Yea! People are correcting grammar. I was going to say that you can tell a republican from a democrat by checking how they use "your" and "you're". Democrats are better grammarians. By the way--if anyone ever calls you a communist, they probably don't know what it means. Can you define it for us Jesus? I doubt it. And liberals can kick conservative ass. We're all in better shape from tree hugging. You don't work up too much of a sweat at NRA meetings.

Wow looks like Wil has some cleaning up to do around here....idiots

Hey Wil

looks like you've got a troll infestation.....

can't believe some of the crap people think they can get away with once they have a scrap of anonymity to hide behind...

grow up folks....

Do I agree with Wil about George W.? Absolutely not! President Bush is acting in what he believes is the country's best interest, which is a far cry from the previous administration.

That being said, Wil has every right to publish his thoughts on his website. I may disagree with every single thing he says, but I will defend his right to say them with my very life, if necessary.

Thanks, Wil, for the forum, and your friend's letter.

Seeing them in their beautiful home with their new baby and their arms around each other, I wished for a moment that I too could be a lesbian. But then I remembered that I'd have to eat pussy, so I said forget it.

Hey there Tyson ma' lad. Just name the time and place and ALL anonymity goes away.

No?

Well then my fellow pooper -- then go back to your world of anonymity and WE'LL all go back to ours... er... uh... our's... or is it ares -- well, you get it.

By the by my friend, I love your chicken!

Welpsir -- time to go for a ride in a chopper!

-Henry

So I clicked them links and may I say KGB...

"hubba hubba ding ding -- baby you got everything!"

"Are your legs tired?

Cuz, girl, you're (your) just running around my head all night!"

"Hey. How 'bout some fries with dat shake?!?"

"So... (taking hit now from Banaka blast) what's your sign?"

and finally...

"If I told you that you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?!?"

Thank you! I'll be here all week. Try the vegeveal and tip your waitresses and waiters...

...but just not the cows.

-Henry

Wil,

Your friend’s letter was well written. The use of the word “troops” seems to indicate Army to me. I never once was referred to as being part of a troop when I was in the Marine Corps.

The angry children that are posting about how they love George Bush, armed conflict, their hate of everything but themselves…

As I grow older, I just chalk words like this up to ignorance.

If you want to support your troops, do it. Volunteer some time down at your local VA Hospital. Meet some vets who need supporting. Get involved.

Otherwise, you are just approving the actions your troops are taking, because it’s how you have been conditioned to respond.

Word...that's all I have to say for once.

Kevin

Actually, I have this to say: Thanks. I served ten years in the AF. I appreciate the views expressed by your friend, and the fact that you posted them here.

Kevin

What Sean wrote about getting involved & really supporting the people in the armed forces is really fantastic. [He said: If you want to support your troops, do it. Volunteer some time down at your local VA Hospital. Meet some vets who need supporting. Get involved.] I care very much for the men and women who serve. But it never dawned on me to volunteer as Sean suggested. Shame on me. Thanks for the advice.

Wil,

I spent 9 years in the Navy and wanted to thank you for remembering those of use who served by posting your friends letter. It was very touching.

We do what we do in the name of freedom.

Thank you.

-Erik

One time, the news said "7 troops killed in a firefight in Afghanistan."

And that was the worst time of all.

And a piece of me went with.

Think before you deface a message board. It's someone's heart you're crapping on when you don't take stuff like this seriously.

I agree with the author

Interesting