I had an idea of what I wanted to write about tonight. Then I came home and turned on the TV. Looking through the channels, I saw a documentary called Body of War on the Sundance channel. Given that it’s Veterans Day, I decided to watch it.
I’m so glad I did. It’s a great documentary that follows one 25-year old, Thomas Young, who served in the Iraqi war. He was shot while he was there and is now paralyzed from the chest down. It’s one of the most moving movies I’ve ever seen. And makes me realize how stupid and petty my worries are. Who cares if some guy I was supposed to go out with doesn’t call me? This kid (and he is a kid) will never walk again. Has to have his mother catheterize him because he can’t empty all of the urine from him bladder. He’s so smart and articulate and funny. And his life will never be the same again because of lies that got us in to a war that we have no way of getting out of.
One of the most moving parts I saw was when he went with his mother and wife (who he separated from during the filming of this movie) to an anti-war demonstration in DC. Mothers, wives, children, fathers, husbands, veterans of the Iraqi and other wars were marching against this war. But the saddest part was when they showed mothers and wives of soldiers that had been killed. They couldn’t get enough of Thomas. They were touching him and kissing him and talking to him. And you just know it was because they saw in him what they had taken away from them because of this war. This stupid war that hasn’t made us any safer, and has no end in sight.
I support our troops around the world. I thank God for them – for their patriotism and their courage to do what so few of us would do: leave family, friends, loved ones to protect our freedom. I support them and thank them and pray for the safe return of each and every one of them.
2 Comments
November 13, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Katie– Thank you for supporting us …I know I’m not over there anymore, but I have friends there and my little brother will be there in a month…I know I don’t speak for every military member out there, but I have an idea that most of us are proud to serve for people like you–the ones who can separate the Gov. from the troops…I don’t think there are many of us that agree with this war, but it is our duty and we do it with honor and pride… it makes us want to serve with all of our being when the general public shows their support and care for us–even the ones who come home a different person. Thank you very much
B
November 13, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Dude – I would say “you’re welcome” but it almost seems silly; I certainly hope everyone supports those that are serving their country and risking their lives, whether or not we all believe in the reason for behind it. But I realize that’s probably (more than) a little naive.
I hope your little brother returns home safely and swiftly. And that you stay safe and enjoy your time in Italy! Sounds like you have a lot of good trips coming up – I’m jealous!