Medals of honor too christian?

[Janz]

And about Memorial Day here in the USA.. Here is another very different viewpoint written by a guest columnist from our local newspaper: Ralf Zimmermann, a former tank battalion commander and decorated Desert Storm veteran. He is a leadership consultant and writes and speaks on diverse military and political topics.

"When reading first-hand accounts of combat soldiers and civilians in war through the ages, you quickly realize that it's not the exciting adventure as presented in many Hollywood movies. War isn't merely about heroism and glory - it's primarily about suffering, hardships and ultimately - death. But despite its immense cruelty, war has remained a part of human interaction, even in our so-called civilized times. And as despicable as it is, one has to admit that war is sometimes unavoidable to address evil in mankind and to spur human evolution to the next level.

As the son of a German WWII Panzer trooper, I also attempt to understand war and its consequences from all sides of the spectrum. From such a perspective, I believe it is essential to recognize that the ultimate sacrifice in war can only be justified if the conflict ends with a lasting peace. And building lasting peace requires the willingness to overcome hatred and propagandistic beliefs and to replace them with cooperation and ultimately - some sort of friendship."

http://www.gazette.com/opinion/war-5...sacrifice.html

Wow..three in a row. I must be going for a personal best.

[citizenzen]

If sacrificing for one's country is an act of "great love", why do soldiers commonly return home with post-traumatic stress disorder?

[nativeastral]

ah but don't all great loves end in post traumatic syndrome? only psycotics and neurotics take it a bridge too far as forgiveness seems to be the hardest to achieve -- where are the real mediators? politicians do a measly job and religious leaders cannot seem to practice what they were inaugurated to preach [in a world stage scenario they are looking out for their own 'status']