A dear friend (a physician, ex-Catholic Nun, Tibetan Buddhist) turned to me and said, could you say a few words about peace from your tradition? We were at a celebration homecoming party for the 19 year old son of dear friends. This young man has chosen the military for the last year and a half and was home on leave.
It's hard to describe my circle of friends (I also call them my family of choice). We all came from varied backgrounds but all have a connection to the same community health center at some part in our careers. All health care providers who like to gather monthly for friendship, food and dance. These people have insisted upon being my friends, feeding my soul and heart. They have embraced my son and I replacing family that lives far away. Rarely do we ever focus on religion except on holidays (we have celebrated many holidays from many religious traditions).
So near dusk, my friend Shirley decided we needed to gather in a circle and say something about peace and safety for our young friend. She began with a Hawaiian chant about peace. Another friend did a Hindu chant in Gujarat. My turn was a libation to the ancestors honoring the Orisha Oya ("Oriki Oya Ase") followed by the fullest sansho I have ever said. Shirley ended with a Catholic prayer in Spanish (the first language of most of the people there).
Our hearts were full and sad. Seeing a young man mature is an incredible experience. Knowing he is going in harm's way is a difficult one. I have worked many years in the peace movement which made me feel very torn. I spent many a day standing on the street corners of my city holding signs against the occupation in Iraq.
Many of my friends there share the same desire about peace but also face the reality of this young man's choice.
I live in a part of California where many young people choose the military. Often times this is their best choice for education and employment as their communities have few opportunites (Modesto is no exception). I pray that in 11 years my son will not feel compelled to make the same choice. I hope that he can find a path that can open up the way for confilict resolution and reconciliation.
But today is my young friend's day...
Snapping to my 16 anniversary of recieving Gohonzon on May 2.
Dr. Mimi
Earthsong,
I think you misunderstood. I lament the fact that young people get to "serve their country" by putting themselves in harm's way.
Somedays I wonder how many actual wars there would be if the military service was required only for those 40 and above.
I don't think the choices for war would be made so quickly.
I know all too well "freedom isn't free." That's why so many of my ancestors and immediate family risked (and lost) their lives fighting against slavery, for civil rights.
If you could convince me that the US is in Afganistan and Iraq fighting for freedom instead of oil and corporate profit, I'd be a lot happier seeing a close friend in the military.
Dr. Mimi
Posted by: Dr. Mimi at May 6, 2004 06:32 PMIt is a shame that you lament the decision. I think it can be rather a noble ideal, serving one's country. I think it is a rather heroic act, if done with the mindset of self-sacrifice. Freedom is not *free* after all.
Posted by: EarthSong at May 6, 2004 06:12 PM