Sure. I'll remember.....

Cpl. Glen H. Arnold
June 4, 1974 - September 18, 2006

Today, on November 11, we honour soldiers who've given the ultimate sacrifice for our values and freedom and all of that other jingoistic bullshit that politicians spew at us for their own fucking gain on a day like today.

Later this morning, I will lay a wreath for my little brother during the ceremony at the local cenotaph.  Make no mistake, I will lay the wreath to honour him. I will remember him.  I will miss him.  Make no mistake though, I will not be honouring our seemingly gloried lust to sent kids into war.

Silent protests will happen around the country today.  When government officials lay wreaths, some veterans will turn away.  Our government policies for veterans are shameful.  We (I say 'we' in the most disdainful manner) are kicking injured vets out of the forces before they reach their 10 years of service so that they are not able to collect a full pension.  We are closing veterans offices.  We are fighting veterans in court to be able to claw back some of their pensions because of a screwed up tax rule.  We are not honouring our veterans.

So, when government officials speak out today telling us how proud they are of the veterans, I will not applaud.  I am under no illusion that my silent protests will drown out the bullshit these officials are spreading. I will however, honour my brother, whose motivations were pure, unlike those fucking greedy white men who sent him to die.

Rest in peace, brother.  There are those here who do care about your purpose.  You were a medic.  You helped friend and foe alike.  Those assholes who sent you there live with their motivations.

Maybe I'll write something more coherent on the subject in the future.  For today, this is all I have.

Deaner.