If I could snap my fingers and say; let there be no wars, and it would mean no wars, I would. And everybody would live happily ever after following the finger snap.
For those who are well read on everything, including the bible, perhaps know the scriptures that quote: “there will be wars and rumers of wars.” I’ve heard the quote since childhood. So I wondered if most of us just accept the fact that wars are expected and, we just deal with it.
My Uncle Lewis went to war. He was drafted. It was WW11. I was very small, however I can still visualize my grandmother walking the floor squalling her eyes out. She feared she might loose her only son in the war.
We only had radio back then for news reports. Grandmother was seen standing by a stand table where the radio was placed with her head almost against the radio to listen to the news of what was happening “over there.” He survived. He came home to his family.
During his post military years, Uncle Lewis maintained a well paying job. However, he became an alcoholic which contributed to his massive health problems. Uncle Lewis passed away about ten years ago. He was my idol when I was a little girl.
He and his three sisters, including my mother were very close.
Now that the draft process is eliminated, as many guy’s and girls volunteer for a branch of the military, according to what I have read and heard, they each have their own reason for entering the military. I heard someone say he volunteered because he felt he should. For whatever the reason, I sincerely appreciate all the soldiers who serve. My heart goes out to them.
As a teenager, I had a pen pal who was serving in the navy. He looked handsome in his uniform, I told my friends.
All my life I have been A reasonable and sharing person in most situations. My mother would say; “put yourself in that person’s place and see how you feel.” She was refering to something painful the person was experiencing. That’s one “thing” I was raised with. Compassion.
My point I want to express here; my concern for my three young grandsons; namely Raymond and Luke and Caleb. If they made me the decision maker that determined their will to join the military, I would have to think long and hard before I uttered my approval or disapproval. In a way, I feel selfish in the matter. In my mind, I’m thinking, why would I grant them this opportunity to go into the military with the possibility of not coming home alve? Someone said their family member gave his/her life for their country. When I hear that I feel for them.
For those who did their military duty and came home alive (like my uncle did). Well, What can I say……….
The three young boys who call me Memaw will have enough self confidence, in my opinion, to render their own decisions regarding the military.
Luckily, for me, I won’t be the one they rely on for that part of their future.
Betty Sodders
Archer, Florida