Soldiers of the Republic

Let me make a slight diversion before getting back to the topic of "Chinese History Revisited".

Today, 11th November, is Veteran's Day in the US. In Commonwealth countries, its Rememberance Day to commemorate the end of World War I.

Earlier this year, my office moved to Madison Avenue just one block away from Fifth Avenue where the Veteran's Day Parade is held in New York City. So I had the opportunity to get my first glimpse of the parade a little while ago.

Well, parades happen all the time in the city so this is not a big deal. As military parades go this is a relatively low key affair compared to parades in other parts of the world. But what struck me was the spirit of the parade which embodies the values that I admire in the United States of America.

First of all, the parade was a civic event and not an "formal" or "official" event: yes, there were troops marching but also school bands, beauty queens, hobbyists (like vintage car enthusiasts and Harley-Davidson bikers) and various veteran groups of old comrades who used to fight together, veterans who now work together (like a band of subway workers), veterans who now study together (such as a group from Columbia University) etc. Old soldiers came out in their old uniforms marching with the old comrades. Families of veterans (who died? too old to come out?) came out waving photographs of their man in uniform. There is a strong display of diversity and respect for self-organized groups and grass root initiative. I got a sense that the parade belonged to everyone no matter how "unimportant". The atmosphere was relaxed, informal and celebratory. By the way, although there is a small dias for dignitaries and VIPs, the real place for the VIPs in an American parade is leading and marching (or at least riding along in a car) in the parade itself. That's what the mayor did today.

Moreover, I was reminded of the values of a republic as opposed to the state. The parade was not to glorify the state or the military power, it is to show appreciation for the individual citizens in uniform; in active service, in the national guards, in the reserves and veterans. They come in all shapes and sizes and colours. They marched without weapons. The troops smiled and waved as they marched, as if they were sportsmen returning from the Olympics. It made me think of the classical notion of the soldier as a noble sacrifice and solemn responsibility that go hand in hand with the rights and priviledges of being a "citizen" of a republic; and not just a self-less and unquestioning tool of the state.

And then there was the show of appreciation and affection for the troops that is uncommon. The crowd lining the streets waved handmade signs that says: "Thank You", "We Salute Our Troops" etc. The soldiers both active and retired were greeted with applause and cheers by the crowds. I saw a man wish a soldier good luck as he march by and the soldier nodded and said thanks. When a large flag was carries past, people clapped and saluted. Nothing suggested it was anything but genuine or sponteneous.

In the city today, I see many soldiers going about proudly in their dress uniforms, some with wives or girlfriends at their elbows. In many pubs tonight, any one showing up in uniform gets a free drink. For me, its a reminder of the real source of America's strength.

---- update 15 minutes later ---

This speech yesterday is widely reported but not widely appreciated. I just read it and found it to be very good. I was most taken by the passage, "....instead of claiming God for our side, we remember Lincoln's words, and always pray to be on the side of God." Note his remarks that addresses the slain soldiers as individuals. And how it tries to explain the value of military service in a liberal democracy in times of plenty.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/44/2009/11/10/obamas_speech_at_fort_hood_the.html