Infinite MonkeysYesterday, of course, was Veterans' Day. Today, many Americans will take the day off in "honor" of the holiday. But the honor belongs to the veterans, to whom we owe an impossible debt.
The Los Angeles Times has a compelling series on James Blake Miller, a.k.a. The Marlboro Marine. Miller's image, captured by Times photographer Luis Sinco in a moment of respite during the battle of Fallouja, became an icon of the war. But Miller's story since that day in late 2004 has not been a happy one.
It's all too easy to pity the warriors who return from war with bodies intact and psyches shattered. But these men and women do not need our pity. They need our support, in word and deed.
Posted by Ben at November 12, 2007 09:03 AM | TrackBackThis weekend I showed up for a group ride with my cycling club. But I was a day off. Being unexpectedly alone in Scottsdale, I headed east to Fountain Hills. Once there, I followed signs to the Fountain Festival, where I found an American Legion booth. All they were there to do was offer silk poppies for donations to veterans' care. I got poppies for myself and to take to my two boys at home. The couple staffing the modest outpost asked me if I was a veteran, and though I demured since I never had to do any real fighting, they thanked me for my service. They also informed me of the official memorial service that would be held nearby and hoped I could attend. Good, salt of the earth folks, those two.
My visit to the fair was capped off by a good hot breakfast from the Lions Club while I sat and listed to a duo of classical guitar players. As I rode back toward Scottsdale, I found myself climbing a 10% grade along Fountain Hills' Veterans Memorial Parkway. It was a fine fine day.
Posted by: Monkey Brad at November 12, 2007 09:53 AM