Comments on: What Memorial Day Is to a Pacifist Like Me

By: Tony Single

Tony Single — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 12:44:54 +0000

There is a deep irony at work here when peace can only be gained through great violence. I loathe war. Even one life lost is one too many. The hopes and dreams… and, yes, fears that we all share no matter where we come from or what we believe we’re fighting for means that fundamentally we’re all the same.

So why fight? Why not all take advantage of Memorial Day bargains together and be thankful that if we really really REALLY want it, then maybe we don’t have to make war any more. Of course, I do know that it’s a lot more complicated than that, but I can dream, can’t I?

Beautifully written, Belinda. I share your questions and sentiments on this.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 01:12:10 +0000

I agree very strongly with this post. It is sad that it has become a shopping day for a lot of people. One of the unfortunate side effects of the freedon to choose I suppose.
In Australia we have ANZAC day and for the last couple of years I have stood beside the beach at dawn with the waves rolling in in the background as the dawn service takes place. It is very eerie thinking this must what it sounded like on the beaches of Gallipoli before the sound of gunshot and bombs exploded throught the peace leaving sheer carnage in its wake.
Spare a thought also for the soldiers now who sit in front of a computer out of harms way dropping bombs on people in countries far away then go home for dinner and to play with their kids trying to pretend it was just another day at work. These soldiers sometimes suffer from terrible psychological damage that has a very lasting effect on their lives. No parades for them. No glory.
I for one wish it would end.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:53:40 +0000

It is all very well and good sitting back in your cosy armchair in your free county with you libery in tact talking about THEY isn’t it.
THEY do this on behalf of what THEY believe is best for you.
THEY are not always right.
THEY are not always wrong.
THEY are human too.
THEY have to live with their decisions.
It would be lovely if we could all live as one with no wars, no hunger and no sadness but while we still separate THEM from us on any level it will never stop.

By: Nicki

Nicki — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:38:35 +0000

We – my youngest and I – always spend the beginning of Memorial Day at a parade. He marches while I watch. Then, as the Boy Scouts stand at attention, the American Legion members conduct a memorial service at the cemetery where the parade ends. It is moving beyond words.

By: Eva @ EvaEvolving

Eva @ EvaEvolving — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 15:25:42 +0000

I really appreciate this post, Belinda, for reminding us of the real reason for Memorial Day – and asking some challenging questions. It’s unfortunate that Memorial Day has become a three-day weekend for fun without remembrance.

After just watching the HBO miniseries “The Pacific” I’m even more shocked and amazed at war, at the bravery of soldiers, at the sheer role of fate or chance in who lives and who dies. It’s heartbreaking.

By: Keith Davis

Keith Davis — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:21:46 +0000

Hi Belinda
Reminded me of the “Dunkirk evacuation” anniversary, which has just passed.
Heard one or two of the veterans who were evacuated telling their stories.
All these men were real heroes but they taked in a very matter of fact sort of way.
Made me feel very humble.
As Katie said – thanks for a very thoughtful post.

By: Katie

Katie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:04:45 +0000

Belinda, very thoughtful post. Both personal and political, which is what war is. I hope we learn, but history says we don’t. I still hope.

By: rob white

rob white — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:23:42 +0000

Hi Belinda,
I think this is a fitting tribute for memorial day. We must give ourselves sincerely to deep reflection, and not be tossed about by the opinions the World Voice offers us. It is wise to trust no information that does not feel right. When we declare independence from the World Voice, our mind looks calmly with an eye for separating fact from fiction.

Great conversation

By: Rudri

Rudri — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:28:20 +0000

Belinda,

I have wondered some of these same things. I don’t understand why every holiday is now synonymous with sales at the department stores. I am an advocate of non-violence, but I don’t think I will ever see that in my lifetime. It is sad state of affairs.

Thanks for your insight.

By: nothingprofound

nothingprofound — Mon, 31 May 2010 12:45:20 +0000

Yes, what a waste! When will they ever learn?