A simple thank you is not enough � but it is a good start

A response to another writer

A simple thank you is not enough � but it is a good start
by Dave Doc Rogers
See also: http://www.docrogerswrites.com

I have been trying to think my way through to an answer on some things. I have, over the last year or so, communicated a lot through MySpace and Facebook; some of it meaningless; some of it with the intention to have an impact. In that same time I have slowed my creative writing that I would typically post to Writers Caf� for feedback and laurels. Let's be honest here. Even I would like some praise from time to time to feel good about what it is I do. There isn't enough of that going around. So, praise someone if you see they are doing something you like. No harm, no foul, just praise.

I write. I write my opinions and observations. Sometimes those are not received well. Case in point, a young lady who is also a writer, photographs well, and is of a similar political bent posted a video to Facebook regarding the Battle Hymn of the Republic. Now to the intent of the video and the editor who put it together, I applaud your effort if not your result. The tune was played heroically as a montage of movie battle scenes transitioned across the screen taking the viewer from the American Revolution through to modern times. I was struck how the verse of the Battle Hymn was not heard by the creative team as battle after battle was raged through the video.

I responded to her lines about the video, as I was struck by death scene after death scene. These people did not understand war. Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military philosopher, was quoted as saying that coming to armed conflict is to fail in the art of war. Mr. Matthew Brady captured in still photography what preceding artists captured in verse, prose, or paint. With improvements in the science of photography by Eastman and Strong, the harsh realities of warfare came starkly home in newspapers and picture books. Then came film. The World War II videographers brought home a startling reality to the shock of war. Vietnam era journalists and access to global telecommunications or improved transpacific flight changed the personality of warfare. Ever following the mantra of WR Hearst, journalists pursued stories they knew would give them a by-line or air play on the relatively new media called television.

I am a historian of sorts. To me the faces and names in books are not ancient history, forgotten bits of art or required studies. No, to me these are people who walked this planet before I did. Who lived, loved, laughed, and cried. Who married, divorced, and parented children. Who worked, played, studied, and maybe even savored life. These were � are real people to me. Maybe it is that I have been gifted or cursed to see things from their perspectives. I can replay those moments in my mind. I can project 48 years of observing humanity into the emotions and realities of their moments. I can touch, if only briefly, their moment in time.

I was three years into a six year hitch sitting in a chair at a table opening up a tin which housed a fresh filter for my gas mask. I remember the tin peel cut my left index finger and it slowly bubbled up some blood. I thought, that won't be good in a gas or nerve agent attack. It was then, while preparing for possible armed conflict against an aggressor nation that I realized I � and everyone on my ship � were paid targets. Sobering thought. As sobering as that thought might have been, it did not impede me from performing my tasks at hand. I had my part to save my ship and to save my fellow sailors. I would hold up my part. As elements from the aggressor nation neared over the horizon proximity to our command, elements were dispatched from our tactical fleet and five La Combatant patrol missile boats were sunk in short order; each crewed with approximately 20 souls. Over twenty years later, I am still impacted by the moment as if I sat there now. We in military service do what we do so those we love do not have to. To my heroes, those that bravely went toward the fight and did what was needed doing, thank you.

I have studied history, anthropology, and psychology in an attempt to understand the nature of armed conflict. And it boils down to this: someone thought they could bully someone else so they did until someone else came to help those being bullied. I will not go into a dissertation here as to how I came to the conclusion just stated. It is a statement of historical fact which can be easily validated by researching and comparing history with anthropology with psychology.

My comments regarding a video themed around a battle hymn were not well received. I made mention of not glorying in the death of others. For that I was told I defamed the honor of the soldiers so depicted and I was a pacifist. Interesting commentary by her. Had she taken the time to read the books of those who had been there, had she taken the time to hear the few who told their stories, had she taken the time to look on these faces that saw too much in such short lives, she would have considered her words more thoughtfully and carefully. War is the last place people who have been there want to go.

I remember taking my father to see "Saving Private Ryan." I had no idea the opening scenes would be what they were. As the landing craft made for their various beaches, lead shot from German gunnery placements peppered the outside of the boats. The camera captured the front opening and machine gun fire filling the hold. No one got out. Those moments seemed incredibly long for me. My father, who sat to my left, drove one of those landing craft during the Korea landings. He was very quiet after the movie. I asked him afterwards if that was too real. He only nodded. I never brought it up to him again.

And to the young lady whose passion I applaud, I am left with her words that I am 'lofty,' 'arrogant,' and appear to have the spirit of Cain. Being a student of the Bible, I will discount the Cain association. I know the story well. I am accepted by God through the Cross of Jesus, not by works, not by my efforts. The other appellations I will not address. Those who take the time to know me know the truth of that.

I did feel the need to address a concern that I was unpatriotic, unsympathetic, and unempathetic to my nation and our military. I still hold that patriotism and honoring our soldiers are best done not in the blood spilled but in the sacrifices made. The same is to be said of our men and women in the civil services. They run to the emergency. They run into the burning buildings. They put themselves in harm's way to ensure the safety and protection of those they serve. I gratefully and thankfully accept and honor your service. I am compelled to find a way to hold up high and honor that gift so freely given at great personal cost. No one knows but the person who lived it what it was like to do what they did. A simple thank you is not enough � but it is a good start.

�2009 Dave Doc Rogers

Author's Note

It's opinion, ... mine.

Reviews

[Babbette Francis]

Yes, I certainly agree with you and I thank you for your service as well. My Grandfather fought in ww2. He never talked about it much, but what he said was the same thing you said here, "We in military service do what we do so those we love do not have to." I was shocked to see that you pinned almost word for word what he once said to me. It's about protecting another life... even those who are not born yet. A hero isn't a hero just for that moment they are heroes for eternity.

Yes, you're right, Thank you isn't enough, but it's a start... So thank you, Doc and all other heroes who know the meaning of sacrifice.

[TL Boehm]

Peace. I am pro military - and will always honor those who serve - but I have never been able to detach the "human" impact of it...the pain, suffering, death...the families left behind...its complex to say the least. I've never seen you as lofty or with the spirit of Cain. (can't make that connection) I find your work articulate and thoughtful. You have a gift, a voice, and you've trained it. You use it in obedience. Nothing wrong with that.
Oh yes. So I'm not misconstrued: I agree with you and enjoyed this piece. you are a thinking reader's writer.

[Chloe..Across the Unive..]

I am a pacifist and agree with you. To those who serve our country i could not be more grateful.. they deserve all our honor and respect...especially those who fought in Vietnam .. no honor respect or glory for them.. that war as all are was pure hell... most who fought it were drafted ... i am sure they did not relish the expierience ... they to me are the forgotten .. no war is good, but do you think some are necessary?

Babbette's review is excellent by the way.

I enjoyed this and exchanging opinions is what makes things interesting ... take care peace to you.

Chloe