There are some people who get confused between Labor Day and Memorial Day, or see Memorial Day as just another excuse to have a barbeque or hunt for sales in retail stores.
Memorial Day originates in the tradition to honor fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. It has since then evolved into honoring all soldiers who have died in war.
So, other than the obvious reason of Memorial Day coming up...why do I want to blog about this?
As a future Naval Officer, I often have to respond to questions and inquiries from friends and acquaintances on why I want to join the military. I like to think of myself as an idealist, as a realistic idealist. I am certain that those who have been in war are the ones who are most against war. Soldiers have been exposed to what war can do; thus, are the ones who can give a real perspective on how brutal and chaotic battle can be. And I hope in the midst of that chaos, there will be idealistic officers leading from the front, serving their men, and serving their country.
Recently a co-worker got on the topic of mercenaries and the private security forces being used regularly in the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. He praised their training and technology, and especially their pay. When I brought up that many of those who are serving in the U.S. military are just as deserving, and more so, than the mercenaries. He replies and says there's no difference between the private security soldier and the solider of the nation's military. He told me that only foolish and uneducated individuals would choose to join the nation's military unless it was for the purpose of becoming a private security soldier and being paid hundreds of thousands of dollars. I then asked him, "what about those who join for the purpose of serving their country, it's national security, and your freedom?" Whether they are less or more educated has no bearing on the value of their desire to serve their country or their own personal value.
Another recent event that irked me was the response of a girl who was struggling to find a job. A friend advised her to join the military. To which she responded, "Only people who can't find jobs go to the military. That's why so many of my guy friends are joining in this economy." Alright, there may be many cases in which people join out of necessity due to bad job prospects. But that does not discount the worth of their commitment or make what they do any less important than what you do. And come on, show some respect.
People always ask me...why? At my age, I rarely hear people ask people why they want to become doctors, teachers, chefs, or most other professions. But for some reason whenever someone says I want to join the military...the question is...why? Not a curious why, but a why which comes across as why would anyone voluntarily choose to do what you want to do. Now, a response is definitely warranted. People deserve to know why individuals choose to join the military, the force that carries out national policy and protects the country. People deserve to know why military personnel joined and chose to fight for their country. But I do find it saddening that such a negative view is attributed to our nation's soldiers: current and prospective.
Yes, I've been irked by some recent comments made by others.
To which I say: "If not me, then who?"
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303610504577419973285034422.html?KEYWORDS=travis+manion
Let us take the time to remember the cost that has been paid and is continuing to be paid by our nation's soldiers.
Sailor's Creed
I am a United States Sailor.
I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me.
I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and those who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world.
I proudly serve my country's Navy combat team with Honor, Courage, and Commitment.
I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
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