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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Veterans Day: a time to remember, reflect

Dan Webster

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, which is the day we set aside for — as the quote goes — "honoring those who serve."

All too often, that intent — honoring the men and women who serve — gets mixed up with the mission that they are duty bound to tackle. It's an age-old conundrum for those of us who have seen enough of war, sort of like loving the person but hating the crime.

If the past is any indication — and it typically is — too many celebrations tomorrow will focus on glamor and glory instead of on the grief that war causes, on the loss and horror and wrenching sadness.

Too many celebrations will involve waving the flag and singing songs and feeling the kind of pride that I did when I stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance in third grade.

I, however, will do something different. I will silently and reverently remember those who served with me during the Vietnam War, and I will grieve the loss of the 58,220 Americans who lost their lives there, plus the million or more Southeast Asians who also died.

And I will read, again, Mark Twain's "The War Prayer." For a transcribed copy, click here.

If reading the words of one of America's national literary masters is too much for you, click on the embed below. It's an animated version of Twain's story, and its meaning applies as much today as it did more than a century ago when it was written.