ELLIS in WONDERLAND... Veterans Day reflections

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Veterans Day reflections
ELLIS in BLUNDERLAND by Howard A. "Doc" Ellis

MORENO VALLEY, CA., U.S.A. - Nov. 11, '07" - It's been 89 years ago
today, Nov. 11, 1918, that World War I, "The War to End All Wars", ended and the horror of it passed into history.
Originally, the victorious nations, grateful to their military from
top brass to lowest ranking soldiers, sailors and marines for national
survival, designated subsequent anniversaries "Armistice Day". It was declared to commemorate, to thank, all who did battle, those who died, those who survived.
It became a time for flag waving, parades and picnics and, hopefully, quiet reflection and prayer it would never again happen.
But time goes by and things change. In 1939, only 21 years after
World War I, World War II erupted in Europe and spread around the world faster than a California wildfire..." Armistice Day" almost became a misnomer and eventually, in our country it became "Veterans Day." It still commemorates and expresses gratitude, thanks, to all Americans who've ever served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy in war or peace. That is as it should be and similar events are still observed in our major World War I and World War II allies, Great Britain and France.
In our U.S.A., for the most part, the anniversary is now celebrated
flamboyantly some places, quietly respectfully in others. The patriotic
motivation these days is to thank and honor not only veterans of the 1914-1918 conflicts but all those who've served in our militaries since even the American Revolution which began in 1776. And there's still quiet reflection and prayer that another world war is beyond credibility. ..but even there there's
doubts and fears.
World War I ? World War II ? World War III ? If there's one thing
the peoples of the world have learned about wars it's that they never end, just keep on exploding all around the planet with the usual toll in human lives and material things. Over and over and over again...DAMN FOOLS!
But we keep on establishing stupid and inconsequential organizations
like the weak and wimpish League of Nations in the 1920 and '30s, which
evaporated with the onslaught of World War II in 1939, and the United Nations,so ardently needed and welcomed in the 1940s and now dissipated and withering in the wake of 21st century diplomatic, military and humanities catastrophes.
What we all need in EVERY country on earth, great or tiny, powerful or weak, rich or poor, nuclear "endowed " or not ...are leaders who serve their countries, not self-serve in 'em...leaders who have at heart only the
well-being and prosperity and happiness of their peoples and all mankind. What we don't need are greedy, power hungry corrupt politicians and industrialists
jockeying for superiority, seeking only to entrench themselves in "office" and enrich themselves at the expense of the planet.
But what have we GOT???
I guess right now there's no one available to rise to the occasion for
us...certainly, not here in America, not among that motley crowd of politicians cutting each other's throats to win the Presidency in 2008.
Well, until our national savior comes along, I guess we just keep
thanking and blessing everyone in (and out of) the military internationally who tries sincerely to avoid the wear-and tear on population and planetary existence imposed by those who so ardently work against peace and prosperity, peace of mind and survival of humanity.
OH! Yes, I'm a veteran...
-30-
{This is a free and unsolicited offering by a retired military/civilian
journalist. If you deem it worthy, please e-mail it along. Comments pro and
con are welcome at howellis@aol. com and luftbrucke1@ aol.com THANK YOU, MERCI
BEAUCOUP, DAHNKE, GRACIAS etc. etc. H.A.E.}
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Comment:
And Never Ever Forget Our Undeclared Wars...Korea, Vietnam. the Gulf War and
what we have now.....