Memorial Day used to be about honoring those we lost in war. To some it still is, yet it seems the majority of people grasp the three day weekend as a handy time to connect with family for a picnic, go to a festival, or just get some nice shut eye.
It’s been decades since the US has entered into anything I feel that I would call a “just” war. Instead, wars are about economics, politics, resource grabs, and the inability to keep our hands out of other peoples ethical pie.
And while I am sad that soldiers die in government sponsored wars, I feel that the meaning of Memorial Day is lost when put into perspective.
I see so many people as casualties of different kinds of wars.. drugs, violence, shootings, metal illness, homelessness, poverty, discrimination. When do we remember them, create days in their honor?
What about the Native Americans who died during our continuing war on their culture and resources? When do we honor the innocent civilians, the incidental casualties we kill when hitting strategic targets?
No disrepect to soldiers, but I choose to remember the other casualties - the people who fought for what they believed in and were killed by an oppressive and prejudiced government who put the rights of rich corporations above those of common people.
In memory of all people fighting - not for their country, or for warped ideals - but for a better way of life where nature and basic human rights come above greed and hubris.
all photos courtesy of CCO Pixabay