Our church is planning a reception Sunday, March 10, to honor two members who are returning from active duty in Afghanistan. I support this fully while considering how differently we view our servicemen today than we did only a few years ago.
Some of us remember the demonstrations, some of then violent, and the cruel ways servicemen returning from Vietnam were treated. At that time we utilized the draft to fill the ranks; today all men and women serving are doing so voluntarily.
War should never be popular (although Robert E. Lee said "It is good war is so terrible. We would grow too fond of it.") but we should always support those who are fighting it. I hope we never have another war that the entire nation support. That would mean our own shores had been attacked.
My memory is of a young man, barely out of high school, who was visiting his uncle in Homer while on leave. The war in support of South Vietnam was less than a year old. We had lots of conversations and he told of some terrible event, but he was convinced the action was right. He planned to go back to Vietnam to serve again. I thought of him often, wondering how he fared.
Although many people question whether the attack on Iraq and its dictator was wise, they support the troups and through many organizations assist the wounded and help them re-enter civilian life.
Some of us remember the demonstrations, some of then violent, and the cruel ways servicemen returning from Vietnam were treated. At that time we utilized the draft to fill the ranks; today all men and women serving are doing so voluntarily.
War should never be popular (although Robert E. Lee said "It is good war is so terrible. We would grow too fond of it.") but we should always support those who are fighting it. I hope we never have another war that the entire nation support. That would mean our own shores had been attacked.
My memory is of a young man, barely out of high school, who was visiting his uncle in Homer while on leave. The war in support of South Vietnam was less than a year old. We had lots of conversations and he told of some terrible event, but he was convinced the action was right. He planned to go back to Vietnam to serve again. I thought of him often, wondering how he fared.
Although many people question whether the attack on Iraq and its dictator was wise, they support the troups and through many organizations assist the wounded and help them re-enter civilian life.
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