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Military Service Deserves Our Respect

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Throughout American history, there have been conscientious objectors who oppose
going to war, for good reason. The historically racist and discriminatory pattern of
behavior shown toward people of color in America has caused many to consider the
thought of military service with disdain. Why risk your life and limb for a nation who
continually disrespects and treats you inhumanely?
This was especially true during World War II, yet Black men enlisted, hoping somehow
that their commitment to pay the ultimate price for freedom would cause them to be
treated as equal in the eyes of White America.
They did not achieve the level of equality they were fighting for. Still, you have to
admire and respect anyone willing to lay down their life to protect the lives of others.
It would be at least 20 years later before Black people would start to question whether
war was the answer to equality. Leaders like Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Dr. Martin
Luther King spoke out publicly against the Vietnam War. Risking one’s life for a country
who continually discriminated against them on the basis of race seemed foolish.
Malcolm X once said in an interview, “Black people in this country still don’t have the
freedom, the justice and equality they thought they were fighting for when they were
fighting to defend America.”
Muhammad Ali, who refused to go fight in the Vietnam War after being drafted, said,
“No, I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation
simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world
over.”
Today, the willingness of young people to volunteer for military service has lost its flavor.
The question on the minds of many is, “What’s in it for me?” The president’s recent
order to end veteran preference in DEI hiring has only made this career option less
attractive. While a military career certainly has its benefits—free or low-cost health care
and education, and access to low-interest home loans, there is the obvious risk of not
making it out alive.
The inalienable rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution have become murky as
Trump continues to chip away at the freedoms that once made American life the envy of
many other nations.
This is all the more reason to applaud and honor those fallen soldiers who gave up their
lives in service to their country. Despite all the infighting that occurs among Americans,
they still believed preserving our way of life was something worth fighting for. Things

may seem to be going in the wrong direction now, as this country becomes more like an
aristocracy or fascist regime than a democracy. But we need to remember all the brave
men and women who have protected us up to this point. It could have been much
worse than it is now. Even if you don’t agree with the reasons for military service, the
fact that so many have lost their lives is worthy of respect.
On Monday, May 26, Inglewood will join other cities across the nation in honoring fallen
soldiers. The annual Memorial Day Service takes place in Inglewood City Hall at
11:00am. Whether you make it there or just take a few moments to silently remember
our veterans, please show your thoughts and appreciation in whatever way you can to
those who died in the line of duty.

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