Welcome...and initial guidelines...

This blog will be used in the spring of 2008 by 80+ students at Drexel University to investigate the effects of Iraq on culture and the reverse. Our goal will be to better understand why the US is in Iraq, and to question whether literature can help us on this journey.

Weekly plans and other materials will always be posted in Vista, not this blog. So go to Bb Vista to get the discussion prompts and other instructions.

I intend this blog to manage our discussions and track our collective investigation.

You should have received an email from me inviting you to become a contributor to this blog. The email was sent Monday afternoon to your official Drexel email address.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Veterans of World War II

My family and I commemorated this Memorial Day by honoring the soldiers who had fallen during war. Each year, there is a mass at Saint Joseph's Cemetery in New Jersey that remembers those heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. After the mass, the congregation processed to the graves of soldiers who had served in World War II.

Veterans of World War II came out to honor their comrades and it is quite noticeable that year by year their number grows smaller and smaller. Wreaths were placed on the graves and some veterans said a few words in memory of the service and bravery exhibited by their fellow troops.

It becomes quite depressing especially when men in their eighties become teary eyed in the worn out uniforms they have kept for decades. Witnessing that scene each year reminds me of why we celebrate Memorial Day. Going down the shore or having a barbecue is great fun, but honoring the veterans and those men and women who have died by their side is how we truly display the support and respect they all deserve.

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