Slice of Life: As a Student of History, One Learns Everyday

History is a never ending process, and so too is its study (and committing it to memory).  Most people find history boring, insignificant, and useless but studying history is vitally important to the progress of modern society.  History impacts policy decisions which, in turn, affect our daily lives which another blogger does intelligently point out, even if in a far too misguided way.

Ms. Trunk's blog takes an almost asinine view of Veterans Day that would leave most veterans, well, dumbfounded.  "Veteran's Day should be cancelled [sic]" is the title of her post from yesterday, on a blog that seems dedicated to "career advice."  I guess we should initially assume that her "career advice" would be to stay out of the military, but we won't judge a post by its poorly spelled and grammatically incorrect headline rule following.

Instead of sounding off on this very misguided posted yesterday, I chose to take in the day's events from the comfort of my desk (since I still have to work for a living).  Yesterday I gave us some Veteran's Day thanks and more goodness that was intended to educate myself and others about the little intricacies on Remembrance day, most of which I did not personally know.  Today, we'll take that a step further as we take a look at the pictures from around the world about how troops and families, young and old, mourn eternally for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Remember, Veteran's day is what we call it here in the USA, but it isn't just about the USA.  This day is celebrated, somberly, the world over! 

Even though Ms. Trunk does accurately state that civilians are affected by war, the harsh reality is that the terrors of war are something that neither I, nor she, will ever be able to comprehend.  While she may be correct that some veterans choose not to celebrate Remembrance Day due to the painful memories it conjures up, others choose to talk  freely and openly talk about the experience and the triumph of their efforts and safe return home.  Looking through the pictures and the linked news stories show a very different picture than the one that our off her-rocker-author paints.

In her five parts, she addresses the impact on family, the fact that soldiers don't serve their country, Vietnam Vets hated the war, recent vets go to serve their own needs (read college tuition), and even replace Veteran's Day with a national service day.  Yes, military families are a different breed having moved around a lot and having been subject to some harsh circumstances.  True, FDR tried NOT to fight in WWII, but we were attacked by Japan who was Germany's ally (of course we'll save the "we knew" argument for another day).  Trunk repeats the anti-war / liberal generalization about Vietnam Vets that is totally debunked by this photo alone!  A Marine (once a Marine always a Marine) coworker of mine was VERY appreciative of my well wish's for the Corps' Birthday and Vet's day on back to back days (and he certainly isn't my parents age)!  National Service day?  Seriously?  That's called Labor Day, and we already have one communist holiday in our country.

No, Veteran's day cannot be cancelled (sic)!  While I will defend Ms. Trunk's right to write obnoxious, irrational, political garbage, she should not purport herself as being a "career advising" blogger.  If you want to be taken seriously on the political aspect, write a separate blog!  Obviously, this is why myself and friend Falnfenix were absolutely dumbfounded by the lack of research, intelligence, and even empathy, of someone who is supposed to provide all of those characteristics when "advising" others on what to do with their lives.

I will close by saying that Ms. Trunk did an excellent job in her piece.  It certainly encouraged me to seek out the truth, learn the history, and then correctly educate others upon the significance of Veteran's Day, Poppy's Day, Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, or any other name that follows 11 November 1918.  For my coworker friend, and Marine, Semper Fi!  Happy Veteran's Day for the second day in a row! 

More Vet's Day Goodness

Hear the veterans in their own words and the words of the community in a video article from the Military Times!

Click here for the history and significance of the poppy on Armistice or Remembrance Day. 

And of course, a little more history with the poetic flair (literally), I give you the poem "In Flanders Field" by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae of the Canadian Army.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place, and in the sky

The Larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To You from falling hands we throw

The torch, be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

Just some of the simple things I discovered this Veterans Day!  Cheers boys and girls, keep us safe and may we forever be free from tyranny!    

Happy Vet's & Armistice Day

To all of our armed forces veterans out there, a simple thanks is in order.  But, in reality, a BIG THANKS is also in order for doing a job that few choose to do and even fewer are brave enough to do.  On this veterans day, please pat yourselves on the back, raise a glass, and do your best to protect your brothers and sisters in arms and come home safe.  From myself I salute you guys and gals for a job well done and a continued success in your missions. 

Also, let us salute those brave souls still with us and now departed on this veterans day for their success in World War I.  Protecting freedom, no matter what the history books may say was the ultimate goal of your efforts on this Armistice Day, and you succeeded.  May you be safe in your life or eternal rest, and may the community members of this country remember your sacrifices. 

Over There

Johnnie, get your gun,
Get your gun, get your gun,
Take it on the run,
On the run, on the run.
Hear them calling, you and me,
Every son of liberty.
Hurry right away,
No delay, go today,
Make your daddy glad
To have had such a lad.
Tell your sweetheart not to pine,
To be proud her boy's in line.

Over there, over there,
Send the word, send the word over there -
That the Yanks are coming,
The Yanks are coming,
The drums rum-tumming
Ev'rywhere.
So prepare, say a pray'r,
Send the word, send the word to beware.
We'll be over, we're coming over,
And we won't come back till it's over
Over there.

Over there, over there,
Send the word, send the word over there -
That the Yanks are coming,
The Yanks are coming,
The drums rum-tumming
Ev'rywhere.
So prepare, say a pray'r,
Send the word, send the word to beware.
We'll be over, we're coming over,
And we won't come back till it's over
Over there.

Johnnie, get your gun,
Get your gun, get your gun,
Johnnie show the Hun
Who's a son of a gun.
Hoist the flag and let her fly,
Yankee Doodle do or die.
Pack your little kit,
Show your grit, do your bit.
Yankee to the ranks,
From the towns and the tanks.
Make your mother proud of you,
And the old Red, White and Blue.

Over there, over there,
Send the word, send the word over there -
That the Yanks are coming,
The Yanks are coming,
The drums rum-tumming
Ev'rywhere.
So prepare, say a pray'r,
Send the word, send the word to beware.
We'll be over, we're coming over,
And we won't come back till it's over
Over there.