2004-12-25 - 10:14 a.m. listen: both my grandfathers were in the military. both served during world war two. both were overseas. both saw action. one was shot down. captured by a teenager. lost 90 pounds. walked to freedom from stalag luft 4 in what was later called a death march. he asked to be sent into the korean war. he later said it was because he wanted to take the place of a young boy who should just stay home. two of my uncles joined the military during vietnam. my dad was drafted. if the war had gone on any longer, he would have joined the military. another uncle joined the military before the gulf war. he was sent overseas. saw action. another uncle joined the military. travelled overseas. for four years i lived by the largest military base in the world. i became friends with many people in the military. a few bosses of mine have been retired military. every now and again i hear of yet another friend joining this or that branch of the military. every now and again i hear of yet another friend, another friend's husband or wife killed in combat. it's christmas day. i often feel like maybe i haven't done my duty, surrounded as i have been by people who have, right or wrong, risked their life to protect me. and it's christmas day. i am completely against this war. but i love and respect almost every one i've ever met who has been in the military. and it's christmas day. they should be home. previous - next