#nations may be dragged in for valid reasons but the war itself is often started because of the few who are safe from harm

[somelonelywordmonger]

Food for thought

I wonder about the soldiers of every nation when I think of war and the atrocities of it. I don't know the extent, but I know that in America, one doesn't simply leave the army, much less disobey a direct order. I imagine it is the same everywhere else, with varying degrees of risk to life, honor, and dignity. The realities are not advertised to those looking to join the American military. I doubt they are in other countries because few would want to then enlist to protect and serve. I respect our veterans and your everyday servicemen. There are bad apples in every bunch; some join for the wrong reasons. Some we see (and don't see) harm others without batting an eye, seeming to enjoy it, or doing it just cause they can. And there are those like that who aren't serving. But when it comes to this, I think of the soldier who joined our country's army because they wanted to genuinely help and make the world better or because the opportunities for their future that were promised were too good to pass up in their current situation. Those who didn't set out for power and guns. They are the real heroes whose names we don't know and often are the ones turned into corpses, whether literally or psychologically. And Tolkien, a veteran, knew the price better than I can imagine.