Remembrance without glorification is what I try to do. At the moment, though, I feel quite cynical in that it seems no matter how much we remember and how sad we may be and how much we vow to never let it happen again, it does and it doesn't seem there is much the average person can do to stop it.

As I wrote a lot about my uncle in last year's thread, I won't repeat all of it here, but he committed suicide, years later, from the effects of being wounded and particpating in WWII; I had another Uncle who served, also, who spent the rest of his life as an alcoholic. And, according to family lore, I've had ancestors in wars as far back as the War of 1812 and the Revolutionary War, as well as the Civil War. My dad built the ski lift that the troops practised on in Leadville, CO and Rog served during Viet Nam. My nephew-in-law is serving in Korea right now.

Remember them, yes, but also remember those who supported them with many sacrifices. AND, figure out how we really can keep it from happening again. My son is past draft age and I don't want there to be any reason for my grandsons to face such a need in 15 years when they are 18.

Thank you,

kat