Courage, my word

In the past few days I'm sure everyone's heard alot about the 60th anniversary of VE-Day and seen tons of movies and shows on TV about World War 2. Considering I have yet to get a job, I spend alot of time checking out stuff on the web and TV. And all of this war stuff gets me thinking about what it would actually have been like if we'd lived back in the late 30's/early 40's.

Most of us really have no idea what the words honour, loss, fear, sacrifice, horror, or courage even mean. We'll likely never have to face a war and risk all that we have just for an idea. That idea was essentially "freedom" in my eyes, however you want to interpret that.

Most of the veterans I've seen on TV lately have expressed one consistency in their thoughts; that they wished that noone would ever have to face war again. I've heard this sentiment echoed by all sides of the war, and from all areas of the political spectrum.

Yet as much as we try to "remember" something we've never experienced first-hand, it's pretty clear that the lessons of the past are fading. Vietnam was a good example of more death that followed WW2, despite the lessons of war that were learned. (as a side note, the anniversary of the Kent State shootings was just last week). Capitalist or Communist, a dead person is just as dead. Genocides have taken place between then and now, some of which have gone largely unnoticed in the "important" parts of the world. And even today the state of affairs in Iraq is just more people killing people... and to what end?

In war, some people get rich, some people get poor. Some gain vast lands and riches; some lose all they once had. And millions die. Nothing disrespects the memories of war veterans like more death. But here we are.

And anyone who says today that they don't take anything for granted is a flat out liar.
Imagine all the boys and men you know shipping off to some distant land to face the unknown. Imagine all the girls and women you know going to work at factories for years just to support a war. Imagine you had to eat the same shitty meals everyday because quality food was too scarce.

Now imagine you lost your cellphone, your computer, your car, or your Louis-fucking-Vitton handbag. Look at all that you've lost! Give me a fucking break. All this inconsequential material shit doesn't mean dick-all in the end. Noones going to bury you with all of your dollar bills and electronics gadgets. You'll likely be laid down peacefully in a cemetery, surrounded by family and friends who'll remember you for the person you were, not the possessions you had.

If nothing else, I wish everyone could take a few minutes out of every day to consider all that we have, most of which we truly don't deserve. And think of all that has been given, just so you can sit there and read these words.

I dunno about anyone else, but it seems pretty humbling to me.