“Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the ksatriyas.”

Bg 18.43

It’s Memorial Day in the United States, when we are meant to remember those who gave their lives for their country. Back home where I grew up, this meant a parade that ended at the cemetery and then a 21 gun salute fired by riflemen. As small boys, we would look forward to this and when the shell casings were ejected, we would race in and collect them, thinking this was great fun, oblivious that this was all about the pain that those honored deaths had made for their families.

Regardless of the politics of the civilian leaders of the US, soldiers act out of duty and fight when asked. This also applies to those in the National Guard. The National Guard used to be under the control of the individual states, but under the latest Republican regimen they have been co-opted by the Federal government. As such, they are no longer used for emergencies in the state they are formed in but are routinely called upon for service in Iraq.

The story I am most remembering for this Memorial Day is of a local hero.

Both him and his wife were in the National Guard. He finished his commitment and was released from duty when the unit was activated to go to Iraq, but his wife was still under obligation. He re-enlisted in the unit and took his wife’s place in the call up so she could remain at home and care for their two small children.

While in Iraq, he was KIA, Killed In Action, and never made it home. To take his wife’s place and put himself in danger took great courage and made him a hero, IMHO, and is one of the saddest stories I have heard of the many who have died in Iraq while the children of those civilian leaders who send them there take vacations and play video games.

Sacrificing the blood of others is NOT a ksatriya quality. Hiding in offices while the best of our youth goes off to sacrifice doesn’t dilute the honor of our soldiers and their sacrifices but it does make our leaders look like cowards.