Veteran's Day

[JR]

It is the basis that distinguishes a right from a privilege...

Well said.

It begs the question as to our rights vs our obligations. As a believer in freedom I was once totally opposed to a military draft. I thought forcing our young people into military service was radically inconsistent with the freedom of choice which is our birthright.

I am now starting to believe that our young people should be obligated to do public service for two years. Public service might be military, medical, foreign, aid to the poor, Habitat for Humaty, etc. In this way the needs of the nation would be given a lift. In the long term it would mean that every one of us would take into our lives the perspective gained by having seen the world through a different lens than the one we were bred with.

I also find myself in the awkward position of disagreeing somewhat with Lee's wonderful sentiment. Veteran's Day is the day on which we praise all of those who have given some of their time to the service of the country, including those "who but stand and wait", to use Churchill's famous phrase. Those who gave "the ultimate sacrifice" may be remembered at any time, but the nation has dedicated the last Monday in May specifically for that purpose.

JR

[drillman88]

I lost my father in law yesterday.He was not only family he was my friend.It was only fitting that he died on Veterans Day because outside of family the proudest thing he would say is that he was a veteran and retired after 22 years of service to our country.He was in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was one of only a few that I listened to whatever gripes he had about this country without comment.I figured he earned the right with the sacrifices he made and the price he had paid.Respect of that kind is earned and these people have earned it.
Thank you to all of our veterans,
You have my respect and admiration.