We don’t have any. We are lucky for that, but not necessarily better for it. Throughout all of the recent military conflicts, the only uniform effect on the civilian population is that the oil companies have gouged us in gas prices. Other than that, there has been no defining drive to remember those who have died for our freedom. That sucks for us.
Our parents and grandparents had countless wars and political revolutions that helped define them as a generation. We, on the other hand, have been defined by our rebellion against the system set up by our elders.
As Memorial Day is upon us, as a 20 year old from a middle class up-bringing, I have no political or ideological definition through strife. The Gulf War was like watching the big mouthed fat kid get his ass kicked by the captain of the football team. The military actions in Rwanda and Bosnia meant nothing to most mainstream Americans. The most recent incarnation of the Gulf War that was supposedly won years ago has supposedly spun into our generation’s Vietnam, but I don’t think we really feel it. Rather, we are so wrapped up in telling Bush how crappy he is doing that we are not interested in the solution.
Does anyone REALLY think pulling our military out of the Middle East is the answer? Sadly, any mediocre news analyst will tell you that it will only create a larger breeding group of hostility in a region that has already exploded with anti-US sentiments. So, we all agreed we are screwed either way – but what is the answer? In the past, the youth of America always sought out cultural dialog and world peace. Now, we just want free national wi-fi and an application that will connect to all of our social-networks.
If we want an America to be proud of, we need to start creating memories of our own strife. Memorial Day is meant to be a day to reflect on all that others gave so that we can be so flippant with our freedom. Please take this day to ponder how we can all take a stand to take advantage of that freedom.



Eric Chen says:
Mon, 26th May 2008 2:21 pm
Your generational peers who serve in the military don’t share this problem.
A young officer today may guard a school in the morning, head a town council meeting in the afternoon, check upon a medical clinic or power station in the evening, then lead his soldiers in a hunt for terrorists at night.
The irony is that the same members of the current generation who look down upon the War on Terror are also mentally well-equipped to take on the full spectrum of history-making challenges thrust upon today’s military.
You want to be a peace-builder and shape your children’s future? You’re in college – volunteer, get your commission, lead the way.
John - USMA says:
Mon, 26th May 2008 10:22 pm
I think this is more for civilian students who “don’t get it.”
Kyle - USNA says:
Mon, 26th May 2008 11:09 pm
I guess Rob, John and I have spoken about this in a little more detail off-line, but a good point or two here. While the three of us have commissions, and Eric seems to have a military background – what about students/college-aged kids who have no “ownership” in their roles as Americans?
Memorial Day is over, and it was good to see you two at the parade, but hopefully people will discuss topics like this on a day-to-day basis and not just on patriotic holidays.
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