On this Memorial Day, let us honor and remember the fallen, not use it to question the patriotism of those who oppose the Iraq war.
Memorial Day will once again be observed in our nation this coming Monday, May 26. It will be a day to remember, and to honor, all the men and women who have died in military service to our country in all wars, including the Iraq war–a war that has lasted longer than any other American war except the Vietnam War.
Many people will observe this day of remembrance by visiting cemeteries and war memorials, by flying the American flag at half-staff, or by attending special community events and religious services.
As has always been an American tradition on this day, a lot will be said and written in honor of those who have fallen in previous wars. And, as it has become customary during the past six years, a lot will also be said and written about our newest heroes, those who have given their lives in the Iraq-Afghanistan war theaters, and those who continue to bravely serve there.
Finally, a lot will be said and written about “supporting the troops” and, sadly, some will use this solemn occasion to try to equate not supporting the war in Iraq with not supporting the troops.
Let me just say it up front: I support the troops, but I do not support the war in Iraq.
Although millions of honorable Americans have been making similar statements regularly, it is still risky to do so knowing that a good number of people will at best reject outright what they see as a contradiction in terms and, at worse, accuse those who make such a contention of being disingenuous, unpatriotic, etc.
How do I know this? As a young Air Force officer during the Vietnam War, I was a gung-ho supporter of and believer in that war. Although a volunteer for duty in Vietnam, I did not serve there. But, I did have close friends who did and who were being shot at and were earning Purple Hearts there.
It was perhaps because of those losses that I accused those who opposed the war of being unpatriotic, treacherous and even of aiding and abetting the enemy. (Sounds familiar?)
I also remember calling those who had the audacity to say that they supported the troops but not the war, insincere and hypocritical. I sadly remember having fierce arguments with my own parents and sisters and accusing them of not supporting our military. How in heaven’s name could they claim that they supported the troops when they opposed the mission, the war, and our very own government that only wanted to stop communism, spread democracy, and keep the homeland safe.
And so it goes today. Another time, another war, but the same questions about the judgments and policies that produced this war; the same disenchantment with the strategies and the conduct of the war; the same brave troops fighting our battles; and, yes, the same debate–at times accusations–about not supporting the troops and about loyalty and patriotism.
But, there is one difference.
During the Vietnam War, and for some time thereafter, some Americans in fact did not support the troops. I clearly remember the contempt and scorn with which some treated our Vietnam War active duty troops and veterans. I also remember the truly unpatriotic words and actions on the part of some of the hard-core “anti-war protesters.” Nevertheless, a majority of Americans agonized over every battle, bemoaned every injury and mourned every death suffered by our brave troops.
So, while on this Memorial Day we may debate whether questioning the rationale for the Iraq war or opposing the war itself, and whether disagreeing with the war-related policies of our government, is problematic, there is no debating that today Americans unanimously and strongly support our brave men and women in uniform. Americans today stand united in respecting and praising the courage and dedication of our troops performing so admirably under some of the most difficult combat conditions.
Americans have consistently demanded that the troops be given every possible personnel and vehicle protection in the battlefield. More recently, and in the face of some harrowing revelations of neglect and indifference–even denials and cover-ups–toward the plight of our troops and veterans, Americans in unison are demanding that our returning wounded receive the best possible medical care; that they and their families are properly taken care of, medically, financially and emotionally; and that those who have fallen receive the respect they deserve. Finally, every American is wishing our heroes success in battle and a safe and speedy return home.
I expect and understand rebuttals of my words. There are many ways in which opposition to this war can be construed to mean lack of support for the troops. I was at one time masterful at that.
Many thoughtful and patriotic Americans will again be celebrating this Memorial Day by holding picnics, and barbecues; by attending sporting events; by taking that long-awaited, short family vacation to Disneyland or Disney World; by celebrating the end of school or the unofficial beginning of summer. Does that make them less mindful of the real meaning of Memorial Day? Does that make them less respectful of those who have sacrificed their lives for us? Certainly not.
I just ask that “supporters” of the war equally consider the possibility that those Americans who disagreed with our government on the justification for this war and who continue to disapprove of the cavalier manner in which our troops have been placed in harm’s way by our leaders, do indeed respect, admire and deeply care for those who are doing the actual fighting in Iraq and elsewhere–and making all the sacrifices.
Cartoon by Jeff Parker, Florida Today
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.