WW II Memorial Day

Saturday afternoon, after I replaced my LSU flag with Old Glory, I watched live coverage of the dedication ceremonies for the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

A great deal has been said, some of it in accusatory tones, of how this memorial was long-overdue. I think that this took nearly 6 decades after the deeds were done is a bigger tribute than the edifice itself. Approximately 16 million men served in the combined forces of the USA, representing just over 10% of the total population. WWII veterans held the White House for 24 years straight (1952-1976) and innumerable cabinet and congressional seats for over 40 years. If they had really wanted one, it would've already been there a long time.

Four hundred thousand soldiers gave their lives to destroy the virulent evil of the Axis. To look at the 4,000 stars representing their sacrifice was a little overwhelming - even on TV. Families today grieve no less for their sons and daughters who are lost in the current war against evil than did the Gold Star Mothers. And the 800 lives lost in Iraq are by no means trivial, but statistically we lost nearly a thousand soldiers every three days throughout WWII.

I came to realize that it's good this memorial was built in time for some of the veterans to see it - mighty good - but they're not really the ones who need it. We need it. Our children and grandchildren need it. A lot of people here and abroad need it - especially those who've lost sight of the never-ending need to fight for freedom.

War is a terrible thing, and ending war is a noble endeavor, but there are only two ways to do it: defeat evil or become enslaved by it.

Which way you wanna go?

Comments

[rockynoggin]

Good job, schmed.

[Kay]

The idea for the memorial was started in the 1980's. It took 17 YEARS to actually get people to agree on the placement/design and for it to come to fruition. I have seen "the Mall" both pre and post monument days. It definitely looks better now. The weekend could not have been better scene. I feel so honored to have been there. There were vets by the hundreds shaking hands and hugging and sharing stories. Everywhere we went, there were people saying THANK YOU to our vets. Strangers would approach my grandfather on the street. On one tour bus ride, there was a gentlemen with Pearl Harbor Survivor written on his cap. EVERY SINGLE person who got off that bus stopped to shake his hand, look him in the eye, and say thank you. It was wonderful! The BBC interviewed my grandfather (who ended up being too choked up to talk). Youth volunteers were there recording stories, toting chairs, and bringing water for our vets. There were children of vets there in honor of their dads who didn't live to see it. T-shirts proclaimed "we're here for you, Dad". There was a single old, bitter broad with a "Refuse to Go to War" sign in protest. Too late. We went, we won. And now, we finally pay appropriate tribute to our heroes. We did need this memorial - to remember and to praise. To preserve forever what sacrifice means. To demonstrate that our nation truly can be the United States of America.

[schmed]

Better job, Kay.

Let's hope the troops now on the business end of the freedom machine continue to get the respect they're owed.

[GrumpyBunnette]

I'm with ya, schmed!

[CommonCents]

I shudder to think what the world would look like had the USA refused to go to war. The fortitude displayed by the veterans of WWII and those who showed their support by staying here and keeping our country running is awe inspiring. It also makes me wonder at the stupidity and selfishness of today's peaceniks.

[schmeg (of cornpone fame)]

Great points - perspective always helps.
Everything after "I came to realize..." is extremely profound - especially the "war is a terrible thing" statement.
That is exactly what 'mainstream' America needs to understand.