In the United States, the last Monday in May is Memorial Day. It is a day for remembering.
For some, Memorial Day means the Indy 500, barbecues and beer. But such things have never overtaken my thoughts on the solemnity of the day. Posting flags on veterans’ graves and playing taps have my attention. I think of Joe, Sandy, Johnny, Zeke, Phil, and the rest of my old outfit that are no longer with us.
It is a day to take stock of our country’s course, especially of our military preparedness and those who wear the uniform to defend the nation. This year my thoughts are that of concern.
Military Preparedness
There is a lot to be concerned about. First are the surveys showing that the notion of patriotism and service to one’s country is on the decline. This is reflected in the military services recruitment goals not being met. As an aside, at my grandson’s recent high school graduation out of 64 graduates not one was going in the military.
Secondly, as highlighted in a previous essay, the readiness level of our services is at a low level. One of the reasons is the imposition of wokeism in the services at many levels. Enforcing the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) agenda in the military is causing the mission erosion of the military.
The ethos of the military is not against the generic values of inclusion, equity or diversity. In fact, the military services led the nation in facilitating racial integration and providing opportunities for achievement and promotion based on merit. It is the application of the current administration’s DEI initiatives that are the problem.
And this concern is just not that of one old veteran. The seriousness of this has led to 124 retired flag officers (generals and admirals) writing a letter to the House of Representative leaders stating that the DEI program is undercutting a meritocracy- based military. Simply stated, DEI is divisive. It is causing friction and distrust in the ranks, and damaging unit cohesion and teamwork. It is resulting in lower military standards and degrading readiness.
The most recent effort by the U.S. Navy to try to boost recruitment by using a drag queen is not only stupid but demeaning. Military service is about fighting not dancing. It’s about separating yourself from the crowd and faddism to serve. It’s about having an attitude, skills, and persona that you are the toughest gorilla on the block. Remember the Revolutionary war motto “Don’t tread on me”? What is the drag queen message?
A Model of Sacrifice
Memorial Day is about remembering sacrifice. It is worth noting that the cause for Fr. Emil Kapaun’s canonization is gaining steam at this time. He was an Army Chaplain during the Korean War who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his devotion to saving the wounded and fellow POWs of the North Koreans. His heroic self-sacrifice is detailed in the latest Knights of Columbus Columbia magazine. I would suggest reading it around this Memorial Day.
Jesus told us in John 15:13, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends”. The flags resting on the thousands of tombstones this Memorial Day are a testament to Jesus’s words.
6 thoughts on “Memorial Day Musings”
@frank if those 2 years are well-paid then probably yes. If would require a lot more funding though(or decrease in proffesional military payments, so less highly qualified ppl there). Just imagine that you need to purchase a variety of gear(even “civilian” tactical gear like https://gritrsports.com/viktos/ is pretty expensive, let alone actual military grade one) every year on top of increasing amount of training grounds and instructors, and we already have pretty high military budget. The only way would be to decrease amount of active officers, but that would make quality of average soldier much lower(just look at many countries with mandatory service).
Journalism plays an important role in the American military environment, covering events and providing information to both internal and external audiences. By reflecting the actions of the military, it promotes transparency, stimulates the exchange of knowledge, and increases public confidence in military operations. When I accidentally discovered my first post on military journalism on the https://www.agmglobalvision.com/us-military-journalism blog, I was struck by how this area contributes to awareness and understanding of the importance of military efforts and risks.
Every Man/Women should serve their country for at least 2 Yrs.. That being said I’m sure that the military structure would certainly allow those that serve understand WHY so many have given their lives to give them the option to say no. To build a countries defense it takes everyone to appreciate and love the history ” Which is no longer taught by anti- American teachers and Professors that have a opposite view” of a country they have used for their personal ideology.
That said, to all whom will say NO now should read of the America that was 50 or 75 yrs ago before your short sighted decisions are considered.
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Thank you for your article. I was in the Military from 1960-1966; I have no regrets, and I served with honor.
I wish I could share your article with all the young people. Sadly, the wisdom they need will only come many years later.
I’m on my way to a Memorial Service on this Memorial Day—open air, sitting or standing on the grass, honoring the fallen.
Thank you for voicing the concerns of many.