For The Army

I have never made a secret of being a pacifist. I have spoken out, written, protested, posted, published, and otherwise made my detestation of war and armed conflict well known. 

In return I've been called a variety of unpleasant names. That's OK; I don't mind. Conversely, I have never, and will never, personally disrespect any individual who honorably wears the uniform of any American force. And in that spirit I write this post.

Saturday, June 14, 2025, was intended to be a day of celebration for the U. S. Army. It had been founded 250 years earlier when the Second Continental Congress established the Continental Army to support the several colonial militias that were then engaging elements of the British army and their mercenary troops.

But the misbegotten gnome dwelling in the White House figured that since the 14th was his birthday it must be about him (has anyone actually seen that birth certificate?), so he co-opted the event and in his own inimitable way made it something much less than it should have been.

So yes, Army, this one is for you.

For 250 years you have stood as the bulwark of democracy. Born out of the conflict we now call the American Revolutionary War, you have faithfully defended our frontiers. You have traveled to half a world away to battle forces bent on destroying us; and when necessary you have found the strength to defend us from inimical forces within.

You, the body of humanity we call the Army, have stood ready and have rallied to service when called for 250 years. That is one-quarter of a millennium. I do not believe there is another standing national army in the world that can make that claim.

You have not mutinied or been disbanded for disloyalty or been replaced with mercenary forces. You have heeded calls to fight in deserts, jungles, and Arctic regions. You have stood against Minié balls, arrows, machine guns, spears, tanks, missiles, Molotov cocktails, bombs, and overwhelming infantry charges. 

And you have done more than fight. You have built bridges and locks and dams, buried our dead with honor and grace, collected strategic intelligence, provided entertainment, organized disaster relief here and abroad, and taught us the meaning of words like valor, honor, and service.

For one-quarter of a millennium.

Outstanding.

--- Diogenes, 6.16.2025