Veteran's Day Ceremonies Reflect Grief

[leftchick]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=718&e=3&u=/ap/20031111/ap_on_re_us/veterans_day

<snip>On Veterans Day just one year ago, Bush threatened to commit the "full force and might" of U.S. military against Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) unless the Iraqi dictator quickly disarmed.

This year, the administration finds itself empty-handed in the search for weapons of mass destruction. Daily attacks against remaining troops have pushed the U.S. death toll to nearly 400, with more than half of those since Bush declared an end to major combat on May 1.

In Boston, state officials honored 14 Massachusetts soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan (news - web sites), while outside anti-war veterans marched in a Veterans Day parade despite a chilly reception from organizers.

<snip>The Boston chapter of Veterans for Peace marched in the city's annual parade, but was not in any way acknowledged by the event's organizers. While every other entry — even high school ROTC units — was announced as it passed the review stand, the announcer was silent as the protesters passed.

"We do not consider them true veterans," said Arthur Smith, past department commander of the Massachusetts American Legion. "They're against the war in Iraq, they're against Vietnam, they're against everything a true American veteran stands for."

[scottcsmith]

1. What an insult

Who the fuck does Arthur Smith think he is? He doesn't think the Vets for Peace vets are "true" veterans? What an insult. Why do so many right-wingers want Americans to be mindless robots?

[Webster Green]

3. Assshole!

He still thinks the Vietnam war was justified.

[liberalmuse]

2. If they've fought in a war...

they're Veterans, period, regardless of what any right wing a-hole might say. This isn't 'Warmongers Day'. A lot of peace-loving men and women have fought and died in our wars, and I'll be damned if someone like this jackass should be allowed to publicly discount any one of them.

[WhoDoYouTrust]

4. Truly sickening!

Thanks for posting. This needs a big

:kick: