The title of this post is a translation from the Latin “Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori”, a line from the Roman lyrical poet Horace's Odes.
Today I could trek up the the Oregon Vietnam Veterans Memorial as I have on Memorial day and Veterans day since it was built. I usually go up early in the morning to miss the crowds, the speechifying, the fly byes and all the other obligatory “patriotic” moments needed by some to honor those who’s names are etched into the walls.
I think I’ll take a pass this year or maybe go up when its not expected of me. I’ll remember them as I do most days, as kids who didn’t know any better because they were lied to.
Someone once asked me if I had learned anything from going to war so many times.
My reply:
Yes, I learned how to cry.
Joe Galloway
BOHICA
RA18960500