Lights in the darkness

As I mentioned yesterday, today in the US we officially honor those who serve in our armed forces. We’ve blurred this a bit, because on Memorial Day (in May), we’re meant to honor the fallen—those who’ve died on the field of battle or as a result of wounds—and on Veterans Day we honor those who serve. Which, of course, includes those who served and died.

Well, it’s not really a bad thing that we set aside two days to consider the sacrifices made by men and women who stand up for our nation, and have done so since we separated ourselves from Mother England. Seriously, these people have been picking up the tab for our freedom and comfort all this time.

Actually, we’re kind of niggardly about it if we only ever pay attention to this two days out of 365. And a lot of the attention is just vote-seeking politicians wearing $2000 suits with little American flag pins on the lapels posturing about in cemeteries pretending like they give an actual, you know, toss. Honestly—unless you’re living next to a military base, this day will be pretty much like any other, although libraries and government offices are likely to be closed, which might be minor inconveniences to our privileged lives.

This year, today is also Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, marking the triumph of good over evil. Here in the Valley They Call Silicon, Diwali is big; Veterans Day not so much. But I can live with that, because I see them as part of a continuum of the eternal struggle of mankind to seek its better angels. As with all real-life journeys, that path is not always straight, or clearly-marked, or comfortable.

I’m all for any commemoration that references the battle of light against darkness, however it might be framed. After all, isn’t that what we invoked when we created our government and reluctantly built a military establishment to defend it? Tonight my flat will be aglow with every candle I have in stock from various forays to Ikea. My tribute to those who serve.

Ladies and gentlemen, past, present and future—all props to you. I cannot thank you enough.