Why Are We So Complacent?
When Canada lost its first soldiers in Afghanistan, I was having problems with my computer and could not access my web site (dedicated to military wives) to make any changes. It took a couple of weeks before the problem was identified and corrected. However, the number of visits to my site increased tremendously during that time and I was dismayed because I felt people were looking for some acknowledgement of this tragedy on my web site and found none.
Since that time, I have put a condolence page on my site for every loss we’ve suffered and after a period of time, I’ve printed out those condolences, placed them in book form and ensured that the grieving families received them. It was my way of showing my deeply felt feelings of loss and I hoped at some point in time, reading the condolences would bring comfort to family members.
Many Canadians (and Americans) sent me personal emails thanking me for giving them a place to express how they felt. It’s at times like these that many feel helpless and don’t know what they can do to show their support and acknowledge what the military community in general is going through.
Recently, I decided to create a page on my web site that not only acknowledges those we have lost, but the many men who have been injured. Outside of news of their initial injury, most are then dropped like a hot potato by the media. But their suffering continues and I wanted them to know that I, and the many people who signed that page on my web site, were keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.
I also felt that listing those who have paid the ultimate price as well as those who have been injured would provide more of an impact on those who visited that web page.
Sadly, with each successive condolence page, the number of entries became smaller and smaller and I’m disappointed to say that no one has signed the ‘We Care” page to date even though visits to my site this past month have increased from 5-8 per day to an average daily count of 140 visits. My site is accessed by people all over the world and what does it tell them in particular about Canadian support for our military?
Have we become complacent over ‘just another loss’ in Afghanistan? I think so. As the number of deaths/injuries increases, we become less willing to acknowledge ‘something unpleasant’. To me it’s human nature at its worst.
Having discussed my feelings on this subject with a good friend whose husband is in the British military, she acknowledged that Britain has lost so many military members that sadly some times news of their deaths doesn’t even reach the newspaper. What is this world coming to? Each injury and death is just as devastating to the individual’s family. Where is the support from average Canadians who don’t seem to ‘get it’ that their world is as safe and secure as it is because of the sacrifices our military men and their families make?
There is another page on my web site called In My Opinion and the current question is “Do You Think Canadian Troops Should Be In Afghanistan?” It’s a hot topic these days in political circles but unfortunately it is those who are safe and secure in their own homes and those who probably would strongly object to sending their sons or daughters off to Afghanistan who are making the loudest noises about us getting out of there.
I’d like to share part of one military wife’s comments on that page with all of you: “I can not believe how ridiculous the media is being about this deployment. The politicians have loads to say, they even want to vote on Canada's involvement. Did they ever think to ask a soldier? How about a military wife?
My husband is a soldier who is on his way home from Afghanistan right now. I support his career no matter where it takes him and for how long. If the media actually spoke to some soldiers they would find that the majority of them WANT to go overseas. They wouldn't have joined the military if they didn't want to. Anyone who gets romantically involved with a soldier should know that too. I have to admit, it's taken me awhile to get used to the fact that my husband's job requires him to risk his life for Canada and it's people but he LOVES what he does…”
The total commitment by all members of our military community whether it is our soldiers or their wives, is something that you won’t find so fervently in any other occupation. Don’t they at least deserve an acknowledgement when one of their own pays the ultimate price? Or the many whose life is changed forever by injuries received in ensuring that your way of life remains as free and as comfortable as it is? The Camouflage Rose http://www.renc.igs.net/~tcollier