1y ago

Why we need a Memorial Day for civilian victims of war

www.vox.com

6 comments

Nobody spends memorial day reflecting on people who died in wars. They spend it swimming, grilling hot dogs, and watching Shriners drive around in their tiny cars. What would make this one any different?
With absolute honesty, I have to say I’ve not read the article just the headline and the first paragraph.
I know far too many servicemen and servicewomen who came out mentally and physically damaged while watching their peers die. (It sucks but this day is to recognize and honor that)
A good portion of them will agree with you on principal. They are the same people that will say this day is about those they lost who are not military in service to our country as well as those were military.
If you’re in a hostile situation and you have your teams back, you have your teams back. It doesn’t matter what your role is.
If your argument is to include people who are not in the line of fire, or are in a hostile area, this is not the day to make that argument. That comes off incredibly tasteless and insulting to those who are struggling with survivors guilt, 10, 20 and even 30 years after the fact.
- I can appreciate the sentiment, but I will say that here in the UK (and other places in Europe), we have a Remembrance Day which honours all the dead of war, civilians and service personnel included, so it can be done. Anecdotal, but personally I've never met someone who has served that resents it not just being about those who served.
- Civilians get traumatized too, and not even get paid to be there.
  Also they can be just as heroic, which is why civilians are eligible for the Victoria Cross.
  I don't think many military people who lived through a war would object to respect being paid to civilian casualties, as long as it's an AND situation.
- There's no honor in being a boot for the empire
  
  Be careful not to cut yourself with that edge.

6 comments