The passing of Mr. Young just before Veteran's Day has me thinking more about this holiday than perhaps ever before. I have seen many comments, all from the heart and therefore wonderful to see. It does, however, bring some questions to my mind. Does thanking Mr. Young for his service (I take that to mean military service and not civil) sort of missing the point of what his life became, what he chose to do with it after his tragedy? Isn't his antiwar stance the most important thing he did, and wasn't it the bravest, to stand in a position which put him at odds with his brothers? It makes me think of some tough questions.
Does Veteran's Day contribute to the glorification of war? Where is the line on being antiwar and still trying to respect those who made sacrifices? How can we discourage youth from resorting to joining the services when our leaders set out for war-for-profit, without offending those who served? Can it be done at all?
in regards to your question(s) about Young, no it does not. In fact I think it make s all the more poignant and right in light of and especially FOR his work after leaving the service. I view that work as a continuation of the service to the nation, his comrades, and in service to the Constitution which he swore an oath to defend and protect against all enemies foreign and DOMESTIC.
He served admirably in that respect exposing a truth about war in general and in broader terms about treatment of and for veterans by our society.
Unfortunate thing is , those who would send young folks like him are still in power and we continue to vote for false patriotism and the selling of fear.
If I may, let me suggest you lay off the disparagement of those who willing choose to serve for whatever their personal reasons may be. At its heart the choice is about serving their country. They just choose to do so in that capacity. Instead, redirect ALL your energies to the policy makers and MIC who actually reap the profits of war.
So let me ask you a question that I posed before in the other, or another, thread.
A boy child is raised to believe that family is the most important thing. Family is what matters, and you always put the family above all else. His family loves him and treats him kindly, and he owes them much. Not a bad set of ethics is it? So when the child grows up, he starts to see some fishy business, and realizes his family is mafia. What does he do and how do you feel about his decision? Is it his responsibility to turn away from his blood family because they murder and ruin lives? Or should we "lay off disparagement of those who willing choose to serve for whatever their personal reasons may be.". After all, " At it's heart the choice is about serving their family". ??? The same question can be applied to "hood gangs" like the crips and bloods. The older gang members take care of kids and teach them a set of ethics about brotherhood, and then expect them to join their murderous organization when they reach semi-maturity. ??? What do you think? Should we hold mafia families and gangs responsible for their murder or should we "lay off " disparagement". I am fine with you calling me out on failing to answer your question, as I said, that isn't my style...but now I expect the same from you.
I fail to see an adequate comparison in your analogy. Military members arent born into service. in the first place. The military on its face isnt criminal in its existence( I'll grant shady shit does happen, not as a root of its existence). outside of what the CiC and Congress directs for declaring war or authorizing action, such as "extrajudicial executions" ANY service members should be held to account for those crimes. But in the course of lawful orders within the bounds of internationally recogonized rules of engagement , no I dont see it.
Case in point, the friend you said was in Kuwait? Criminal behavior and should be held to account.
Of course you fail to see it, you don't want to see it. "Military members arent born into service. in the first place". Doesn't that make it worse? To choose that life willingly?
"The military on its face isnt criminal in its existence". Laws don't make right and wrong. Aside from that, invading a country which poses no threat to your people and killing hundreds of thousands of civilians to maintain economic interest IS criminal...your "rules of engagement" can kiss my ass when you lay them in front of thousands of dead innocent children.
"Criminal behavior and should be held to account.". It isn't and it never will be. Just like the sexual assault/rape epidemic in the services. Service members don't get prosecuted for minor hate crimes or anything else that is bad press. That is criminal negligence. If behavior like the Kuwait situation I relayed was prosecuted, the services would have to be shut down, it's just the norm.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Please explain the relevance? Is it only those who have served in Congress who get an opinion on legislation? Is it the same with all careers or just the ones which involve shooting people, like police and military?
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
There's so much more I'd like to say but I rather like posting here. I choose to steer clear. Please join me in that endeavor.
That's just a deflection. If firsthand knowledge is required to be informed on a given subject then none of us are informed about very much. A thorough history of reading books and articles, plus secondhand accounts from a very trusted source make me as informed as I need to be. Maybe more so than some of those who have served as I lack bias on the subject. There are hundreds, if not thousands of accounts to which I could point you as evidence that hate crimes, from minor degradation to major massacres like My Lai, are a regularly occurring part of foreign occupations. Since we haven't been attacked in 50 years, and haven't officially been at war those should all classify as war crimes.
You can choose to steer clear of difficult subjects if you wish, that is your prerogative, but don't think for a second that I will. I am perfectly capable of having a civil conversation about the crimes and atrocities committed by our military personnel, and the need for personal responsibility in joining an organization which regularly commits such acts.
For the record, I do agree that a military is necessary, I wish it wasn't, but clearly it is. Perhaps if there were fewer men willing to die for the whims of the MIC those MIC would spend lives a little more thriftily. Were America to seriously be attacked and I felt there was a legitimate threat to my family I would do my duty to the country which has given me so many great opportunities, but that is nothing close to joining for career prospect in this age of empire-building.
No, I'm very aware that individuals and groups of people commit some very fucked up things. So bias doesnt necessarily apply with me.
As I understand things, war can wear on the mind contributing to more base human responses. See humans are the most fucked up animal on the planet. For all the potential good there is , there is an equal and opposite potential for ill.
What bothers me the most , is your statements here are a personal attack against me and my family members. That broad brush you use and the generalized statement include us as criminals. I get it wasn't directed specifically my way but that is irrelevant. if you read my above statement with that in mind I think you might better understand what I meant. It wasn't about subject matter. It was all about messenger.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
The 80's was a whole different time than it is now, and before the age of the internet a person had to do some real digging and serious research to uncover what is at our fingertips on Google alone. As I stated earlier, my hard words and broad brush strokes are a reaction to the soft words and broad brush strokes that are used to shine a positive, downright heroic light on all service members. It is a spectrum, like all aspects of life... As unforgiving as my words tend to be, I still feel they are less biased than society's broad acceptance of militarism and it's consequences. When there is an open dialogue, when personal responsibility in empire building is on the table, I will be afforded the luxury of a softer touch. Until then my conscious dictates hard words that I feel express hard truths.
Be well yourself, and all the very best to yours as well! May your meals fill your belly and mirth fill your soul!
Well yes Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it's known in Australia is important as it's to acknowledge and pay respect to the People who fought for your Country...although it's our so called leaders that start these wars it's the rest of the People that has to pick up the rest of the pieces and go out on the front line.
Well yes Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it's known in Australia is important as it's to acknowledge and pay respect to the People who fought for your Country...although it's our so called leaders that start these wars it's the rest of the People that has to pick up the rest of the pieces and go out on the front line.
I dream of the day when the People stand and say, "No more war, I won't lay my life down for your corrupt legacy!"
Well yes Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it's known in Australia is important as it's to acknowledge and pay respect to the People who fought for your Country...although it's our so called leaders that start these wars it's the rest of the People that has to pick up the rest of the pieces and go out on the front line.
I dream of the day when the People stand and say, "No more war, I won't lay my life down for your corrupt legacy!"
Exactly!
The whole world will be different soon... - EV
RED ROCKS 6-19-95
AUGUSTA 9-26-96
MANSFIELD 9-15-98
BOSTON 9-29-04
BOSTON 5-25-06
MANSFIELD 6-30-08
EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
BOSTON 5-17-10
EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
PJ20 9-3-11
PJ20 9-4-11
WRIGLEY 7-19-13
WORCESTER 10-15-13
WORCESTER 10-16-13
HARTFORD 10-25-13
Well yes Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it's known in Australia is important as it's to acknowledge and pay respect to the People who fought for your Country...although it's our so called leaders that start these wars it's the rest of the People that has to pick up the rest of the pieces and go out on the front line.
I dream of the day when the People stand and say, "No more war, I won't lay my life down for your corrupt legacy!"
I dream of the day when people sit and research before letting their preconceived notion of war - whether it be good or bad - dictate their decisions regarding choosing to enlist. Frankly, until we can abolish the current power structure, there will be people who choose to gain at the expense of others, and it's due to the fact that the poor boy will continue to be sent off to fight the rich man's war willingly. So, until you get the world saying "we refuse to act militaristically", you will likely end up in the situation where one (more liberal) nation is saying "we're not fighting" and the other (less liberal) nation is saying "well, then. How convenient. We'll cut our forces in half and invade you anyways" because they can, and because it will serve their purpose. Retreats from military mentality have to be universal, or not at all. So, in the interim, just as the union has power to unify people within a certain industry typically not provided with a voice (though that's irrefutably abused in society), there are two things I can think of that could be done:
1) Rather than teaching about the "joy attained from fighting for your country" (which, by the way, is likely only 'your' country in the sense that you were ejected from your mother in it, chose to remain or come to it out of financial dire straits, or just plain convenience - none of which seem to imply any form of 'partial ownership' nor even 'belonging' or 'allegiance'), teach about the ways one can learn about wars of the past, and encourage people to seek out this information ON THEIR OWN (i.e. not from the people with clear self-serving interests).
2) While the UN takes the collective 'war crimes' moniker and explores that avenue, to offer what have largely become slaps on the wrist, I envision something a bit different. The antiquated notion of a union, which unifies those with smaller voices to collectively combat a form of inequality (whether it's being asked to do something dangerous, with unequal reparations, or just plain unjust), might fit in nicely within a military circumstance. While watching a documentary the other night, one of the former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) heads was asked about morality, and responded that "there's no room for morality when hunting for terrorists". That's a load of crap, but the people in charge likely feel that way in military situations quite frequently. It's time for the people who actually hold the guns and are instructed to kill to have an opportunity to admit that they don't think it's right to kill at the time: and maybe it's not because they're unpatriotic (as those who sent them might have you believe), but maybe (and here's a novel thought) because they just don't think it's right to kill at the time!
In any case, there are very few opinions I've held since developing an interest in global politics/philosophy/ethics where I can say that I'm 100% in favour of one thing or another. There are shades of grey, and to reduce the impact of war to a binary discussion of 'right' or 'wrong' just doesn't seem reasonable to me given the litany of reasons for entering a war, exiting a war, fighting a war, fighting a war in a certain style, etc.
Post edited by benjs on
'05 - TO, '06 - TO 1, '08 - NYC 1 & 2, '09 - TO, Chi 1 & 2, '10 - Buffalo, NYC 1 & 2, '11 - TO 1 & 2, Hamilton, '13 - Buffalo, Brooklyn 1 & 2, '15 - Global Citizen, '16 - TO 1 & 2, Chi 2
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
Well yes Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it's known in Australia is important as it's to acknowledge and pay respect to the People who fought for your Country...although it's our so called leaders that start these wars it's the rest of the People that has to pick up the rest of the pieces and go out on the front line.
I dream of the day when the People stand and say, "No more war, I won't lay my life down for your corrupt legacy!"
I dream of the day when people sit and research before letting their preconceived notion of war - whether it be good or bad - dictate their decisions regarding choosing to enlist. Frankly, until we can abolish the current power structure, there will be people who choose to gain at the expense of others, and it's due to the fact that the poor boy will continue to be sent off to fight the rich man's war willingly. So, until you get the world saying "we refuse to act militaristically", you will likely end up in the situation where one (more liberal) nation is saying "we're not fighting" and the other (less liberal) nation is saying "well, then. How convenient. We'll cut our forces in half and invade you anyways" because they can, and because it will serve their purpose. Retreats from military mentality have to be universal, or not at all. So, in the interim, just as the union has power to unify people within a certain industry typically not provided with a voice (though that's irrefutably abused in society), there are two things I can think of that could be done:
1) Rather than teaching about the "joy attained from fighting for your country" (which, by the way, is likely only 'your' country in the sense that you were ejected from your mother in it, chose to remain or come to it out of financial dire straits, or just plain convenience - none of which seem to imply any form of 'partial ownership' nor even 'belonging' or 'allegiance'), teach about the ways one can learn about wars of the past, and encourage people to seek out this information ON THEIR OWN (i.e. not from the people with clear self-serving interests).
2) While the UN takes the collective 'war crimes' moniker and explores that avenue, to offer what have largely become slaps on the wrist, I envision something a bit different. The antiquated notion of a union, which unifies those with smaller voices to collectively combat a form of inequality (whether it's being asked to do something dangerous, with unequal reparations, or just plain unjust), might fit in nicely within a military circumstance. While watching a documentary the other night, one of the former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) heads was asked about morality, and responded that "there's no room for morality when hunting for terrorists". That's a load of crap, but the people in charge likely feel that way in military situations quite frequently. It's time for the people who actually hold the guns and are instructed to kill to have an opportunity to admit that they don't think it's right to kill at the time: and maybe it's not because they're unpatriotic (as those who sent them might have you believe), but maybe (and here's a novel thought) because they just don't think it's right to kill at the time!
In any case, there are very few opinions I've held since developing an interest in global politics/philosophy/ethics where I can say that I'm 100% in favour of one thing or another. There are shades of grey, and to reduce the impact of war to a binary discussion of 'right' or 'wrong' just doesn't seem reasonable to me given the litany of reasons for entering a war, exiting a war, fighting a war, fighting a war in a certain style, etc.
Great post! The opportunity to decide for yourself what's right, unfettered by the cycles of patriotic indoctrination by society and the powers that be, that's what we really need.
Massive respect for any US veteran. It's not a cliche to say that we wouldn't be free to post our opinions here without their service.
We are not a perfect nation and there's a lot more gray than black and white when in comes to going to war but our soldiers have kept this country in tact. I would say that our war vets have stopped TRUE murderous organizations and are not part of one. Anyone who believes otherwise is uneducated and ignorant.
Massive respect for any US veteran. It's not a cliche to say that we wouldn't be free to post our opinions here without their service.
We are not a perfect nation and there's a lot more gray than black and white when in comes to going to war but our soldiers have kept this country in tact. I would say that our war vets have stopped TRUE murderous organizations and are not part of one. Anyone who believes otherwise is uneducated and ignorant.
Uneducated and ignorant is a little harsh...and not particularly grounded in facts. Which truly murderous organization which would have torn us apart was stopped by our vets? And how can you consider our military intervention in Iraq, which resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths of innocents not truly murderous?
As you said yourself, there is a lot more grey than black and white, and it goes both ways. China has veterans, and so does North Korea and yet they don't have the freedoms we do. There is much to it, and painting all veterans ever as heroes is just as idiotic as painting all veterans ever as villains.
I've got a ton of respect for any veteran as well. I do wish that it was within the realm of possibilities that every individual in every country refused to take up arms to fight old and entitled men's battles typically spawned from greed.
It's not though. And as such, there is a need for militaries.
The US has found themselves in quite the quagmire. At this point in time, how can they deconstruct their military industry without very serious repercussions?
Well yes Veterans Day or Remembrance Day as it's known in Australia is important as it's to acknowledge and pay respect to the People who fought for your Country...although it's our so called leaders that start these wars it's the rest of the People that has to pick up the rest of the pieces and go out on the front line.
I dream of the day when the People stand and say, "No more war, I won't lay my life down for your corrupt legacy!"
Well that's right...The powers using the General public as chess pieces in there corrupt regimes.
I see nothing wrong with setting a day aside to remember veterans of past wars. In Canada its called Remembrance Day (we wear a poppy on our left side as a tribute, other common wealth countries do as well). There is now legislation in the House of Commons that will bring the day back a a statutory holiday as early as Remembrance Day 2015 ... it has all party support so it will likely pass.
Some are against it being a holiday, they would rather the kids be in school learning about past wars. I would much rather them bring the day back as a stat holiday, the schools can still have an assembly to honour vets.
A few years ago there was a piece in the local newspaper about a group of veterans who said it was mistake that they never discussed WW2 ... they were offering their services to go to schools and educate, discuss and answer questions ... they were feeling as they were entering the final years of their lives that they wanted to get their stories out about the true horrors of war so the kids could here from soldiers who served not from some textbook, film or the opinion of someone who never served, at the time of the article no school had taken them up on their offer and I never saw a follow up article to the story.
Personally I think Canada should not participate in any foreign wars.
I have certain rules I live by ... My First Rule ... I don't believe anything the government tells me ... George Carlin
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon
I see nothing wrong with setting a day aside to remember veterans of past wars. In Canada its called Remembrance Day (we wear a poppy on our left side as a tribute, other common wealth countries do as well). There is now legislation in the House of Commons that will bring the day back a a statutory holiday as early as Remembrance Day 2015 ... it has all party support so it will likely pass.
Some are against it being a holiday, they would rather the kids be in school learning about past wars. I would much rather them bring the day back as a stat holiday, the schools can still have an assembly to honour vets.
A few years ago there was a piece in the local newspaper about a group of veterans who said it was mistake that they never discussed WW2 ... they were offering their services to go to schools and educate, discuss and answer questions ... they were feeling as they were entering the final years of their lives that they wanted to get their stories out about the true horrors of war so the kids could here from soldiers who served not from some textbook, film or the opinion of someone who never served, at the time of the article no school had taken them up on their offer and I never saw a follow up article to the story.
Personally I think Canada should not participate in any foreign wars.
I'm okay with Canada serving as peacekeepers- particularly in Africa (the Congo and Rwanda for recent examples) where intervention is sometimes desperately needed and easily given.
Comments
"Military members arent born into service. in the first place". Doesn't that make it worse? To choose that life willingly?
"The military on its face isnt criminal in its existence". Laws don't make right and wrong. Aside from that, invading a country which poses no threat to your people and killing hundreds of thousands of civilians to maintain economic interest IS criminal...your "rules of engagement" can kiss my ass when you lay them in front of thousands of dead innocent children.
"Criminal behavior and should be held to account.". It isn't and it never will be. Just like the sexual assault/rape epidemic in the services. Service members don't get prosecuted for minor hate crimes or anything else that is bad press. That is criminal negligence. If behavior like the Kuwait situation I relayed was prosecuted, the services would have to be shut down, it's just the norm.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
There's so much more I'd like to say but I rather like posting here. I choose to steer clear. Please join me in
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
You can choose to steer clear of difficult subjects if you wish, that is your prerogative, but don't think for a second that I will. I am perfectly capable of having a civil conversation about the crimes and atrocities committed by our military personnel, and the need for personal responsibility in joining an organization which regularly commits such acts.
For the record, I do agree that a military is necessary, I wish it wasn't, but clearly it is. Perhaps if there were fewer men willing to die for the whims of the MIC those MIC would spend lives a little more thriftily. Were America to seriously be attacked and I felt there was a legitimate threat to my family I would do my duty to the country which has given me so many great opportunities, but that is nothing close to joining for career prospect in this age of empire-building.
As I understand things, war can wear on the mind contributing to more base human responses. See humans are the most fucked up animal on the planet. For all the potential good there is , there is an equal and opposite potential for ill.
What bothers me the most , is your statements here are a personal attack against me and my family members. That broad brush you use and the generalized statement include us as criminals. I get it wasn't directed specifically my way but that is irrelevant. if you read my above statement with that in mind I think you might better understand what I meant. It wasn't about subject matter. It was all about messenger.
Be well and all the best to you and yours.
Not today Sir, Probably not tomorrow.............................................. bayfront arena st. pete '94
you're finally here and I'm a mess................................................... nationwide arena columbus '10
memories like fingerprints are slowly raising.................................... first niagara center buffalo '13
another man ..... moved by sleight of hand...................................... joe louis arena detroit '14
Be well yourself, and all the very best to yours as well! May your meals fill your belly and mirth fill your soul!
RED ROCKS 6-19-95
AUGUSTA 9-26-96
MANSFIELD 9-15-98
BOSTON 9-29-04
BOSTON 5-25-06
MANSFIELD 6-30-08
EV SOLO BOSTON 8-01-08
BOSTON 5-17-10
EV SOLO BOSTON 6-16-11
PJ20 9-3-11
PJ20 9-4-11
WRIGLEY 7-19-13
WORCESTER 10-15-13
WORCESTER 10-16-13
HARTFORD 10-25-13
1) Rather than teaching about the "joy attained from fighting for your country" (which, by the way, is likely only 'your' country in the sense that you were ejected from your mother in it, chose to remain or come to it out of financial dire straits, or just plain convenience - none of which seem to imply any form of 'partial ownership' nor even 'belonging' or 'allegiance'), teach about the ways one can learn about wars of the past, and encourage people to seek out this information ON THEIR OWN (i.e. not from the people with clear self-serving interests).
2) While the UN takes the collective 'war crimes' moniker and explores that avenue, to offer what have largely become slaps on the wrist, I envision something a bit different. The antiquated notion of a union, which unifies those with smaller voices to collectively combat a form of inequality (whether it's being asked to do something dangerous, with unequal reparations, or just plain unjust), might fit in nicely within a military circumstance. While watching a documentary the other night, one of the former Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) heads was asked about morality, and responded that "there's no room for morality when hunting for terrorists". That's a load of crap, but the people in charge likely feel that way in military situations quite frequently. It's time for the people who actually hold the guns and are instructed to kill to have an opportunity to admit that they don't think it's right to kill at the time: and maybe it's not because they're unpatriotic (as those who sent them might have you believe), but maybe (and here's a novel thought) because they just don't think it's right to kill at the time!
In any case, there are very few opinions I've held since developing an interest in global politics/philosophy/ethics where I can say that I'm 100% in favour of one thing or another. There are shades of grey, and to reduce the impact of war to a binary discussion of 'right' or 'wrong' just doesn't seem reasonable to me given the litany of reasons for entering a war, exiting a war, fighting a war, fighting a war in a certain style, etc.
EV
Toronto Film Festival 9/11/2007, '08 - Toronto 1 & 2, '09 - Albany 1, '11 - Chicago 1
We are not a perfect nation and there's a lot more gray than black and white when in comes to going to war but our soldiers have kept this country in tact. I would say that our war vets have stopped TRUE murderous organizations and are not part of one. Anyone who believes otherwise is uneducated and ignorant.
As you said yourself, there is a lot more grey than black and white, and it goes both ways. China has veterans, and so does North Korea and yet they don't have the freedoms we do. There is much to it, and painting all veterans ever as heroes is just as idiotic as painting all veterans ever as villains.
It's not though. And as such, there is a need for militaries.
The US has found themselves in quite the quagmire. At this point in time, how can they deconstruct their military industry without very serious repercussions?
Some are against it being a holiday, they would rather the kids be in school learning about past wars. I would much rather them bring the day back as a stat holiday, the schools can still have an assembly to honour vets.
A few years ago there was a piece in the local newspaper about a group of veterans who said it was mistake that they never discussed WW2 ... they were offering their services to go to schools and educate, discuss and answer questions ... they were feeling as they were entering the final years of their lives that they wanted to get their stories out about the true horrors of war so the kids could here from soldiers who served not from some textbook, film or the opinion of someone who never served, at the time of the article no school had taken them up on their offer and I never saw a follow up article to the story.
Personally I think Canada should not participate in any foreign wars.
"Life Is What Happens To You When Your Busy Making Other Plans" John Lennon