This photo from Appleton’s Memorial Day Parade reminds me of the gratitude we owe to those who have served in our armed forces and to those who are now serving. So many paid the ultimate price to be loyal to their nation and to protect us. I am pained at the hostility some brave and good men men face when they return to civilian life, where some treat them as if they are the problem behind the tragedy of war.
I am even more pained at the senseless destruction and chaos caused by politicians who push us into wars for purposes other than defending our borders and our people. May we understand the lessons of the Book of Mormon on defense. May we have leaders with the wisdom of Captain Moroni who share his humanity and desire to avoid unnecessary shedding of blood. And may we honor those who have served honorably and those who have fallen, regardless of the wisdom of our leaders.
We are in for many wars ahead, based on my reading of scriptures and the news of the day. May we prepare wisely, and never fall into the trap of endless vengeance or bloodthirstiness that can occur as societies decay.
Amen, brother!
Indeed, indeed. And let us remember that those of us who have served did so for everyone, of every race or creed, who is an American citizen, and for those who someday will be.
"next to of course god america i
love you land of the pilgrims' and so forth oh
say can you see by the dawn's early my
country 'tis of centuries come and go
and are no more what of it we should worry
in every language even deafanddumb
thy sons acclaim your glorious name by gorry
by jingo by gee by gosh by gum
why talk of beauty what could be more beaut-
iful than these heroic happy dead
who rushed like lions to the roaring slaughter
they did not stop to think they died instead
then shall the voice of liberty be mute?"
He spoke. and drank rapidly a glass of water
-ee cummings