Memorials

As I have said before, I am conflicted when it comes to holidays which celebrate wars and the warriors who fight them.  Memorial Day is particularly fraught.    While it started as "Decoration Day" to commemorate veterans of the Civil War, after the turn of the 20th century it was changed to Memorial Day to honor all those who died in the armed services.   Certainly the vast majority of those who have died fighting had no say in the war or action in which they participated and certainly can't be held responsible for the jingoistic policies of successive American governments.  However, the wars these veterans fought in are also glorified.  From the Spanish-American war to the invasion of Iraq, there is precious little to be proud of beyond the valor and sacrifice of our fellow citizens.  I have often said if the children of the policy makers were forced to fight on the front lines of whatever war their parents (mostly fathers) felt was necessary to protect American interests, there would have been far fewer conflicts in the last century.  Nonetheless, I'll spare a few minutes this week to remember the millions of men and women who gave the last full measure and hoped it would safeguard their fellow Americans.  I'll also hope for more a more rational world where Memorial Day is a quaint holiday to celebrate the last gasp of our martial proclivities.