I happened to be at work and noticed this article on the BBC, which talks about how the Black Watch (which has a long, and not-always-glorious-at-all tradition, but is now kindof the symbolic Scottish regiment) has returned from their tour of duty in Afghanistan.
They are being welcomed back to their native country with parades through several different cities and in the article itself on an INTERNATIONAL NEWS SOURCE the regiment was able to list their dead and tell the world of their accomplishments. For the record, there were five dead out of over 400 soldiers (400 are marching in the parade, I can only imagine that there were more serving) and their accomplishments were quite in order with what even a cynic such as I would imagine of a people who had fought off superior forces of invaders for their entire history.
It would be so incredibly wonderful if we as a country would even be able to do such a thing. To welcome home OUR soldiers with parades across the country. To be able to succinctly list our dead as the heroes that they are and celebrate theirs and their brethren’s amazing feats of daring and strength and (hopefully) nobility in combat as they come home to not have to leave again.
Ah, if only!
Just thought I’d share. Happy Holidays everyone.
~Ash.