“Those who celebrate war have never participated in it. Those who have participated in war never celebrate it”. ~ unknown
While i am a military veteran, having served for twenty two years, i am blessed in that i never served in an area where the oxygen to lead ratio was never higher than a gun range. This means that i have never been in close proximity to where the affects of war are experienced first hand. However, i have paid attention to demonstrations, to after action reports, been in close (but safe) proximity to high explosives, and other... more graphic, sources.
I grew up being influenced with the propaganda of the glories of war. At one point i idolized the 'glories' of battle. Eventually, i learned what the military is ultimately for. When those in "power" are unable, or unwilling, to find other ways to achieve what they want, or what their country "needs" (real or perceived), military conflict is the last result. Or it should be.
While there is a lot of boasting, and joking at other branches expense, there is a real comradery built up between those who have gone through incredibly hard things. Be it physically, or mentally, or both. I do not know of a single veteran who cherishes war, but they all have amazing memories of the men and women of who they served with.
There is a lot to be said, and so many applications, about not being quick to judge another until you have been in that person's shoes.
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