Re-Claiming Armistice Day

On 11/11 there will be much talk of "patriotism", "sacrifice", "love of country", and "defending our freedom", but little about "mutual understanding" or "friendly relations". 

 

As an Army, infantry veteran of the U.S. war against the people of Viet Nam I find it interesting how the eleventh day of the eleventh month has been transformed from a day of peace to a day of justification of violence. The original Congressional resolution stated that "this date should be commemorated with . . . exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations" and they invited "the people of the United States to observe the day . . . with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples".

 

Instead, on 11/11 we will be subjected to a continuous stream of flag waving and images of strong, brave young people in full combat dress. The message is that violence will keep us safe and violence will keep us free. The reality is that young people are sent to kill other young people because older people lack the skill and/or the desire to resolve the conflict using non-violent methods. 

 

Please observe the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day as it was originally intended.