The line from the article that struck me is this: The most fortunate in our society have turned the solemnity of remembrance for fallen soldiers in ancient wars into a justification for our most recent armed conflicts.

I was about to be drafted in 1970, and I couldn't bring myself to find any justification for the war in Vietnam. To keep out of that war, I enlisted for four years instead of the two-year draft, but then was released after three years of service. I got a guarantee of German training and assignment to Germany, and I ended up doing intelligence work in Berlin. I did good work, and I think it was worthwhile. I figure the more we know about our enemy, the less likely we are to end up in warfare.

So, I did my time, but I intentionally avoided the war. I can't say I have any particular pride in having served in the Army, but I think I did a good service for my country and learned a lot in the process.

Sometimes I'll wear a pin or a poppy to show I'm a veteran, but I'm conflicted about it.

-Joe-