As I write this the war in Iraq has officially ended. A flag ceremony there made it official. The flag is wrapped and encased as is the tradition. (How sad there is a tradition to end a war - must mean there have been too many of them).
Funny how wars end. Funnier more so how they start. These are topics though for greater mind than me to ponder and debate. The main thing for me is that it is over.
A war ending is perhaps one of the greatest and most meaningful events for me. Senseless killing, violence, greed and waste hopefully coming to end for a bit of time. According to some figures I read (but never checked out) the war in Iraq war has resulted in 4,500 American dead, 32,000 wounded and cost more than 800 billion dollars. To me those numbers are mind boggling - see why greater minds than me have to look at the deeper issues - I cannot even comprehend that we would send that many people to die, have their lives ruined and and spend that amount of money for whatever reasons. And I am not even taking into account the Iraqi dead, wounded and social costs there.
I never understood war. Never. Vowed at a very early age I would never allow myself to be forcibly sent to fight in one. I still believe that, only now with more conviction. I knew very young that it was wrong. January 27, 1973 forced conscription ended in the United States - a day and act I have always been grateful for. In March of that year the Vietnam war ended. Another great day. Do not remember any flag ceremony though.
This holiday pay tribute to those who have fought in the wars we have waged. They deserve our appreciation and support. The greedy bastards who start and fuels wars do not.
Merry Xmas, War is Over. (hopefully this link will remain active for you to hear John Lennon my favorite holiday song)
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