I swore an oath today, as I have done twice before, to ‘uphold the Constitution, against all enemies both foreign and domestic.’ The fate of every soldier lies in this oath. We believe it; we feel it. Despite our frailties, our mistakes, we desire this. To give this oath is an honor; to swear it is a responsibility, one forged out of iron and lead and ancient alchemy.
Which gives me shivers. It’s no secret to readers of this blog that I consider the reasons we’re in Iraq pretty unjustified–but it’s worth being reminded once in a while of the reasons that soldiers choose to serve in the U.S. military, which are very different from the reasons our current president asks them to serve.
It’s been a while since I read ginmar‘s blog regularly, but she’s served in Iraq, and not been uncritical during her time there–of anyone, on any side. If my country is going to fight this particular unjust war, it’s worth knowing that voices such as hers are among those doing the fighting.
(Link by way of lori.)