Memorial Day
Today, we remember all Americans who have died while serving in our nation’s armed forces. To date, that includes 2464 killed in Iraq, and 292 killed in the conflict in Afghanistan. (Phillip Martin has compiled a list of the Texans who have died.) How best to remember and honor them?
Many will enjoy the day off without even pausing to remember the meaning behind the occasion. We gather with friends, barbecue, maybe watch some baseball or an NBA playoff game, and celebrate the arrival of summer.
For others, we honor the dead by displaying the Flag, or perhaps by attending or participating in a parade. President Bush will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. There is certainly a place for this type of ceremony in honoring the fallen men and women of our armed forces. Sometimes, however, such events run the risk of unduly appealing to the jingoistic part of our nature.
Let us remember that Congress has actually called on us to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to our individual religious faith, for "permanent peace." Thus, it seems appropriate for us to consider, prayerfully, whether our current foreign policy, particularly our policy in Iraq, is advancing or impeding the cause of permanent peace. This process should involve consideration of all points of view, but this is an occasion for rational rumination.
If one concludes, as I do, that our involvement in Iraq is misguided, then we owe those Americans that we honor today, whose service helped preserve our freedom, an honest effort at changing our government’s policy. Indifference does not honor their sacrifice. Many of us, including me, could be rightly accused of inaction despite holding strong opinions.
We have the right to speak out, to contact our elected representatives, to organize, and to vote. Utilizing our rights in an effort to effect government policy that will truly advance the cause of permanent peace is a most appropriate way to remember and honor those military personnel who gave their lives.
Many will enjoy the day off without even pausing to remember the meaning behind the occasion. We gather with friends, barbecue, maybe watch some baseball or an NBA playoff game, and celebrate the arrival of summer.
For others, we honor the dead by displaying the Flag, or perhaps by attending or participating in a parade. President Bush will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. There is certainly a place for this type of ceremony in honoring the fallen men and women of our armed forces. Sometimes, however, such events run the risk of unduly appealing to the jingoistic part of our nature.
Let us remember that Congress has actually called on us to observe Memorial Day by praying, according to our individual religious faith, for "permanent peace." Thus, it seems appropriate for us to consider, prayerfully, whether our current foreign policy, particularly our policy in Iraq, is advancing or impeding the cause of permanent peace. This process should involve consideration of all points of view, but this is an occasion for rational rumination.
If one concludes, as I do, that our involvement in Iraq is misguided, then we owe those Americans that we honor today, whose service helped preserve our freedom, an honest effort at changing our government’s policy. Indifference does not honor their sacrifice. Many of us, including me, could be rightly accused of inaction despite holding strong opinions.
We have the right to speak out, to contact our elected representatives, to organize, and to vote. Utilizing our rights in an effort to effect government policy that will truly advance the cause of permanent peace is a most appropriate way to remember and honor those military personnel who gave their lives.
posted by marc g at 10:09 AM
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