Reflecting on Remembrance Day

Last year, I posted some of the history behind Remembrance Day. This year, I wanted to change things up, and get a little personal.

Remembrance Day is sometimes hard for me. Not because I know many soldiers who have died, or have deep familial connections with the "Great Wars" of the 20th century, but because I dislike war.

I believe it to be an outmoded way of getting what you want, and it often historically hinged on outdated ideals like nationhood, or even personal slights. Yes, the "modern" era has complicated this on a political level and yes I understand why wars are still fought today.

But that doesn't mean I have to like them.

My two biggest gripes would be modern "western" society's reliance on the Military Industrial Complex (something I can hardly summarize in a blog like this, let alone effectively convey the nuance of), and the state of Veteran's Affairs. Something I recommend anyone curious do some research on - it's not what I'd call light reading, as a head's up.

While the former is more prominent in the USA, and while we as a species benefit from many developments created by the Complex, we live in a world where wars are fought to create money, and push for technological breakthroughs. The question of morals is not one typically asked, and when it is, it's a labyrinth of complexity.

When it comes to Veteran's Affairs, at least in Canada, from what I hear and see, things are a mess, or less than they should be, or generally not ideal. But this again is a mixed bag where 'more money' isn't an effective answer, and it's not simple because there's only so much money to be had.

As someone who is generally anti violence, that doesn't mean I don't respect or think we shouldn't support troops, wherever they are. They are people, and they're people who will likely be severely scarred by their line of work, which is why I think a strong support network is especially important once the job is done and their tour is over.

And if that's not enough for you, I just ask that you keep the bumper stickers out of this - I don't think a slogan like "If You Can't Stand Behind Our Troops Feel Free to Stand in Front of Them" is a good way to gain support, or break stereotypes about soldiers generally being unlikable while they suffer from a superiority complex.

Besides, killing people, or inciting violence, or even suggesting it, is never a good answer - it's all fun and games until someone else is pulling the trigger.

Now, I said this would be personal. So if you're still reading, my connection to the military is something like this: My grandfather was a reservist, partly because he thought it was right, and partly because it was the thing to do back in that time. He was never shipped overseas but kept with the reserves for a couple of decades after WWII. I know people from high school have signed on, and to my knowledge they're still alive, and I wish them well. I know others still who seek, or are contemplating seeking Officership in the military because of the pay, benefits, and life experiences it affords them.

I have no interest outside of reading military history, and playing games where no lives are lost, no families are broken, and no friendships collapse due to differing opinions (most of the time, on this last one).

To be lame, and paraphrase a quote that's widely attributed to Voltaire, 'I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.'

I welcome dialogue, I welcome debate, but for those who seek violence in war, I can only wish you well and good health.

I hope this week I've brought you to pause, and contemplate, just like we all should have at 11:11 today.