Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection, Chris. Yes, ‘incomprehensible…toll of human suffering’ is what we forget in advance of each intervention, no matter who.
As my family depart Athens, I am compelled to reflect on the years (millenniums!) of history and the wars that were fought. So many conflicts (as we now call them) over individual and collective interests, some “just”, and some not so. Sadly, hubris was in abundance.
Oh how what we see today resonates from our past! Hard to argue that this element isn’t within our nature. What is incomprehensible is the toll of human suffering and loss due to these endeavors, both in civilian casualty and those who fought. Whether conscripted or volunteer, it was those who served that paid that price; “all gave some, some gave all.”
So it is proper and right for nations to set aside a day to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who did not return. I was fortunate to watch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Mansion and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. As with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and Arlington cemetery; a very solemn moment and reflection. So, it is also with great hope that our leaders not only reflect on the past and honor those we have lost, but also look at the future with humility and grace, reserving the military for when there is a true existential threat.
I also think that for everyone of those car thieving punks there are many young people out there doing the right thing- studying, volunteering, thinking of others and doing many other good deeds every day.
Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection, Chris. Yes, ‘incomprehensible…toll of human suffering’ is what we forget in advance of each intervention, no matter who.
Thank you, Susan. You are, of course, certainly correct and it is a vital reminder.
As my family depart Athens, I am compelled to reflect on the years (millenniums!) of history and the wars that were fought. So many conflicts (as we now call them) over individual and collective interests, some “just”, and some not so. Sadly, hubris was in abundance.
Oh how what we see today resonates from our past! Hard to argue that this element isn’t within our nature. What is incomprehensible is the toll of human suffering and loss due to these endeavors, both in civilian casualty and those who fought. Whether conscripted or volunteer, it was those who served that paid that price; “all gave some, some gave all.”
So it is proper and right for nations to set aside a day to remember and honor the sacrifice of those who did not return. I was fortunate to watch the changing of the guard at the Presidential Mansion and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens. As with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and Arlington cemetery; a very solemn moment and reflection. So, it is also with great hope that our leaders not only reflect on the past and honor those we have lost, but also look at the future with humility and grace, reserving the military for when there is a true existential threat.
I also think that for everyone of those car thieving punks there are many young people out there doing the right thing- studying, volunteering, thinking of others and doing many other good deeds every day.