Sunday, May 30, 2010

I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. ~ Albert Einstein


Every year we have set aside a day to remember the men and women who have fought and died to keep us safe and free. Every year we pray that soon the world will change and become a better place where the bravest and best no longer fight and die. Somehow, things never change. War continues to rage and men continue to die.



“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”
-- General George Patton

In World War II, General Patton made a decision to send troops to the left instead of to the right. In doing so, he saved a small group of airmen trapped behind enemy lines, among them my father. I honor Patton for that but can't completely agree with his sentiments on the death of soldiers. As much as we have gained from their sacrifice, we have lost much and should remember and mourn the loss.

God bless everyone who has fought and died for our homeland and bring our troops home safe and whole.



19 comments:

Phyllis said...

What you say is so very true. I'm also amazed at the Albert Einstein quote. I hope it doesn't come true but we humans are on the fast track to destroy each other and the entire planet.

I have nothing but respect and gratitude for all who fight for our freedom.

Do you mind if I use that quote on my Memorial Day post?

Balisha said...

A thoughtful post, Marnie. My Dad served in WWII also.I was in kindergarten and was chosen to hold the flag in our little band, because he was in the service. I was so proud. I remember it even today years later.I do wish we could be more peaceful. Maybe someday. Balisha

sweetbay said...

I know that Einstein agonized over that result of his genius.

It's wonderful that your father was able to be saved -- one of the lucky ones.

Few things can match the horror of war. Members of my family were rent by their experiences, and my husband has some patients who were at Pearl Harbour and others who served in Iraq, and both are still very troubled by their experiences. I think they always will be.

tina said...

What a nice personal story that your father was saved. Things like this really put a face on the sacrifices and decisions made in war.

troutbirder said...

I agree with you sentiments 100%, Marnie. On perhaps another mission or maybe the same one, Patton foolishly sent a task force many miles into enemy territory to save a few prisoners (including his son-in-law). The cost in American lives was far more than were rescued. A great general, bold and relentless, he loved war and cried at soldiers deaths. What a contradiction.

Sherri said...

A very lovely post Marnie. We must remember those who have died but also the ones still sacrificing their lives for us! Happy Memorial Day!

Cheryl said...

God bless you Marnie for you compassion and kindness.

What can I say but that I totally agree with all you say.
My life has been touched by the sadness and grief war causes....
I pray that one day we may live in peace.......

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Enjoyed your post, Marnie... It makes me think of that old simple statement: "Why Can't we just All Get Along?" Humans just cannot do that.... And then when there are religions who 'promote' violence--that even makes things worse. The Radical Islams really scare me. They have no regard for human life at all.

YES--we do need to remember those service men and women who died for our freedom.... God Bless Them ALL --and their loved ones.

Happy Memorial Day.
Hugs,
Betsy

Anonymous said...

Hi there,
I have just come across your site, and I wanted to compliment you on the incredible beauty and precision of your photography. Amazing!
Thank you,
Eliza in Northern Ireland.

Southern Lady said...

God bless all of those that are serving and have served our country. Carla

BeadedTail said...

Very thoughtful post Marnie. It's wonderful your father was saved in WWII. God bless him and all the men and women who have fought for our country!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I agree with your thoughts here Marnie. I shiver when reading the quote by Einstein. I hope you have a great day.

Dawn said...

I don't agree with Patton either but I believe Einstein hit it as accurately as anyone could think.

Morning Glories in Round Rock said...

A very thought-filled post, Marnie. All I can add is, Amen. I hope your Memorial Day is happy and safe.

Tammy said...

Awesome story about your Dad. What I take away from Patton's quote is that there we should be thankful that there are men that will sacrifice everything for their loved ones and country. However, never never would I think it foolish to mourn those that die. The Einstin quote does send chills up the spine. We are definatly on a fast track to .... something...
Tammy

Rose said...

A wonderful tribute to those who have served our country, Marnie. As Tina said, the story about your father is so interesting and puts a personal face to the story of the war. But I agree, one would think as advanced as we humans have become--or think we have--we would have figured out a way to get along by now and put an end to all wars.

Kathleen said...

You surprised me with this extra post Marnie! You have us so well trained about which days you'll be here. It's a very worth while extra post tho. Thanks for posting it. I'm waiting for a peaceful world but I am thinking I won't ever see it.

I'm glad Patton saved your father too. Another side benefit is we get to know you. :-)

joey said...

A beautiful tribute, Marnie!

D said...

Marnie, they have given everything, and I want them home too.