Military memorials are not just rocks or metal in the form of an unrecognizable object with unfamiliar names inscribed upon them. Military memorials are built out of respect for the military and as a thank-you for those who have served, whether they are alive or dead. Memorials were not an idea until the 1980s and even then they were not very popular.
The memorials in Washington, D.C. are dedicated to important events in American history including World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War, disabled soldiers, unnamed dead soldiers, veterans and many more. There are also many memorials that are not being built but are still on the drawing board including Operation Desert Storm, World War I, the Iraq war, and the Afghanistan war.
Due to the lack of respect that many people have for the military, it creates a large obstacle for the memorial building process. People protest with signs that say “Save Mother Nature” and “Don’t Waste Money.” But considering what soldiers do for us on a daily basis, and what they have already done for us, they deserve at least some respect. Or better yet, a memorial.
I understand that not everyone has respect for the military. But without the men and women who have served, the people who do not appreciate the military would not be able to voice their opinion about it.
Col. Clifford Stansell, Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps teacher said that, “Freedom means being willing to tolerate all views, as long as people are civil and do not infringe on the rights of others. I may not like what they say, but I am willing to defend to the death their right to say it.”
It is not easy going out to serve and protect your country everyday. You could die at any moment. But the soldiers out there right now are well aware of the challenges and consequences. Does that stop them from protecting your right to say what you want to say? Absolutely not.
Soldiers willingly put their lives on the line everyday for strangers like you and me to be free and say what we would like. This kind of bravery and sacrifice definitely qualifies them to be deserving of a memorial and your respect.