Remembrance Days, may they grow obsolete

The last week has been a long preparation for Remembrance Day in Canada. Poppy Pins are de rigueur, more so in English-speaking provinces than in Quebec, whose population has traditionally been more pacifist-minded and «less supportive of Canada’s military heritage».

More than 600,000 Canadians served in the First World War and 60,000 of those were killed. With only three surviving veterans left (they are now 105 and 106 years old), a newly released poll indicates that a strong majority of Canadians favour giving the last veteran a state funeral, which is among the highest honour the country can bestow on a person. Other polls indicate support of a national day of mourning when the last veteran dies.

I like to watch Remembrance Day ceremonies, with their mix of official pomp, dignified nostalgia and strong visual effects with all the flags, poppies, medals on uniforms, etc.

But – and this is where the flame war and web lynching can start – although I understand and share the emotional collective grief, I cannot partake in the deification of war veterans, for the same reason that I am irritated to hear all soldiers called heroes.

I’m obviously alone in thinking that way, but apart from my knee-jerk pacifism, I cannot understand how – why – for what reason – by what kind of reasoning – can anyone automatically acquire the status of hero to be worshiped just for being at a certain place at a certain time. The first and second World War soldiers did not have any choice. Their fate was decided by others, they were ordered to kill and be killed, not for freedom or honour, or any other lofty goals as we are all brainwashed to think, but simply because all wars have the same purposes: either to steal somebody's land and/or resources or to stop somebody from stealing your land and/or resources.

So all countries will honour their veterans, all governments will tell their citizens how noble and heroic it is to be cannon fodder and Remembrance Days will go on.

Virtual Doug describes last year's Veteran Day spent in Vietnam [http://virtualdoug.typepad.com/virtualdoug/]

«I remember seeing an elderly Vietnamese veteran of the 1954 battle that ended the French colonial period. He sat on an old tank, and even at his age had the far away look in his eyes that said he remembered the fierce combat. I have no doubt he is as proud of his service to Việt Nam as I am of my service to America.

Soldiers are an odd bunch. We once tried so hard to kill each other, yet as age softens us, some realize that their former enemy is somebody who can understand what they went through. I once had lunch with a Vietnamese family whose daughter was one of our students. The lunch was delightful, and our student willingly translated. I sat next to the father, now retired from a government job. The modest home rang with good food and good cheer.

I saw a certificate on the wall and asked our student Nhi what it was. The certificate lauded the father for his service to the revolutionary cause. That prompted the father to get out his small collection of photos. He showed me this – taken in 1966 as he and his three buddies went out for one last night on the town before moving out into the jungle to begin their training as regional Viet Cong soldiers. He told me he fought against the Americans – and said we were good soldiers. I smiled and returned the truthful favor – the Viet Cong too were good soldiers.

We were both young back then, doing what we thought was right. Time has blurred the reasons why we fought and left us with the feeling that we understand each other now. I look at his picture from 1966, and realize its not much different from American men who were drafted and went out for one last night on the town.

We were soldiers - - a long time ago. We’re glad we are not soldiers now, nor do our countries need to fight each other any longer.

We’re both proud veterans.»