On the day this photo was taken, I played in my Wind Ensemble for the send-off ceremony of a local national guard company.
I know this is a horrible pessimistic view of the whole formal affair (which included a speech by the governor of the state, and his first lady), but...why did I feel like I was at a funeral? The somber mood, and the way I couldn't help but view these strong, stoic men as they marched into the gymnasium...even though I'm sure they will all be fine, I felt like we were sending them to certain doom. No matter what war it is, no matter what the situation...
I hate sending our family and friends and neighbors to some country half of my classmates couldn't find on a map with the intent of...doing what, exactly? What is the point of all of this? The speeches were filled with loaded words like "patriotism...duty...bravery...loyalty...freedom...honor...mission...". WHAT is their REAL MISSION? I wanted to cry out and interrupt. They avoided saying anything of substance...do they even know?
I was probably affected more strongly than I otherwise would've been because I happen to know one of the young men about to go overseas...well, I used to know him very well. I still might endeavor to call him a friend, even though it's been years since our bizarrely matched friendship imploded on itself.
It scares me, having a personal acquaintance in the desert holding a gun and wearing camo. Everytime I see footage from Iraq I'll see his face on every soldier, I'm sure.
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