A Special Day of Remembrance

/ Penny L Howe

I honor every single man and woman who has and continues to serve for their countries.

They, each of them, are heroes for all of us.

Too often they give the greatest commodity there is to give “their lives”. In the world where the rate of exchange (the value for something) is predicated on a monetary value there must be a falseness to this value. In truth there is nothing that has a greater value than life itself! Nothing even comes close!

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I do believe in peace. I think most everyone does. And most of us have strong opinions on this.

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But none of these beliefs should take away or diminish the fact that all those who serve “on our countries behalf” (on our behalf) in times of conflict and war can be considered nothing short of heroes…

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…Because they are.

Many pay the ultimate price and should be honored accordingly. They are average people just like you or I doing an amazingly not average thing. Protecting our way of life. Today is a special day of remembering those who have fallen.

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War is a sadness because it always diminishes the most important thing on this planet – Life and it’s pure value! All life, the innocent and those who defend and protect them and those left behind to pick up the pieces and carry on.

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Imagine, if you will, someone coming to this planet who knows only love and then is introduced to War and the effects and aftermath. Imagine that this person believed that life is the greatest commodity and that love of all life is the most precious thing there is. This video (from the movie 5th Element) is a short 55 seconds of how a person such as this would react.

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War a sadness, loss of life a sadness.

Honoring those who give their lives for what they believe in, who protect and defend is important, right and just.

In this case – Love of those who gave/give their lives for us – is as important as Love of Life itself!

And that is a sadness for all of us!

~ Penny L Howe, 2012

43 thoughts on “A Special Day of Remembrance”

  1. I’d like to thank each and every one of the men and women, both here in the US and in my homeland of England, who have fought for their country.

    I’d particularly like to honor three people… Dan Bohmer (http://danbohmer.wordpress.com/) who’s amazing photography and posts have given me a fascinating insight into life in Afghanistan.

    My estranged brother-in-law, Rick… it’s difficult for me to find the words… but you came home a broken man… and I’m truly sorry that happened to you. No man should ever see what you’ve seen. No man should ever issue a command and know that someone’s son or daughter won’t be coming home as a result. I may not ever see or speak to you again, but I wish you well.

    Lastly, my maternal grandfather, Charlie, who fought in World War I and through luck or providence alone survived the trenches to come home safely. (http://thelastsongiheard.wordpress.com/2012/03/27/hymn-to-the-fallen-john-williams/)

    I look up to you all.

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  3. Such a beautiful tribute to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and to the families who have lost so much. I see war as being so senseless when there are always other ways to solve our differences. Such a tragic loss for the world. I have never seen the film The Fifth Element so will have to check it out. Thanks Penny.

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    • Thanks LuAnn. With respect to the movie, that is the only scene that is very very serious. but the rest of the movie is a most delightfully well done spoof on the future of things, fun and a romp, you’ll laugh and enjoy it!

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  6. So much do agree with your sentiments on this topic dearest Penny ~ always had aversion to war, violence, and all that is “pushing against” peace (relate to the girl in the video clip above)… but yes ~ to appreciate those who sacrifice their own wellbeing in the name of loyalty and protection ~ that is a reason to love. Thank you Penny – always a place of deep reflection here… xo R

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      • It’s been a long time since I have seen Fifth Element, but that clip sums it all up, Half the time people forget what they are killing each other for and it just becomes a way of life for them.

        Your post was the inspiration to the poem I wrote today, so thank you Penny

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          • I would wish one day that wars were not fought with the lives of men, but with other means. Far too many people die needlessly just because some genocidal maniac doesn’t like the look of someone, or wants to control the oil.

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            • It’s the whole lack of respect for human life thing. If that were changed (if the value or worth of a nation were determined by the health and well being of each human and not on money – life would be cherished – the way most cherish the almighty dollar!)

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              • Unfortunately the ones at the top have no respect. There was an episode of a series of films over here, not sure if you had it – Sharpe … With Sean Bean. There was a comment made about the leaders. “There are killing commanders and murdering commanders. A killing commander mourns the life of every soldier who dies under him, a murdering commander doesn’t care”

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  13. It is sad that we have these things to remember. But we do.
    There will be public speeches and ceremonies thanking those who served.

    But it is also good to share these thoughts among blog friends.
    I am sure there are millions of little messages or tweets of remembrance for those who gave their love.

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    • I do have strong feelings on the issue of war and wasted lives, Having said that I have watched 5th elements more than a few times for all the right reasons that one would do so.

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Thank you for your thoughts!