[howdy20012002]

As a serving soldier with 1 PPCLI I would like to add a couple of things.

First,
I personally received a phone call over the weekend from a business associate I hadn't heard from in years..all he said thanks for what I do and I tell ya, it felt good to be recognized for the sacrifices that soldiers do make...

Second,
this is not about supporting war.
this is about the soldiers who have, in the past and will to continue to put their lives on the line.

I have personally been in Kosovo, Bosnia, and afghanistan.
Unfortunately there are bad people who do bad things

I agree, war is hell and stupid. I would love to live in a world were there wasn't war.

However, until we get rid of the sickos, dictators, etc etc I support what we do.

As so do the vast majority of the population...thankfully they realize that we live in a real world not ideal.

Ask the albanians that were saved after thousands of their brethern were slaughtered by the thousands by the serbs in kosovo whether or not they think that canadian soldiers are butchers and should be forgotten.

Ask the dutch that still are appreciative of canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice almost a century ago.

The list goes on and on.

if you think that soldiers are unnecessary, you live in a dream world.

Remembering those that sacrifice their lives and lifestyles so that the rest of society can live in a relative peace is the least society can do for those that do what we do.

Showing support for the war in iraq or afghanistan should not be confused with showing support for the people that put everything on the line.

As well, Being a soldier doesn't make you a murderer. I, thankfully, have never had to end anyone's life in the 12 years of doing what I do.

But I know that I have done alot of good..

How do I know this? From the smiles of the children of the countries I have been in. They appreciate the sacrifices being made.

Too bad some in our own country don't.

For those that do,
thanks

MCpl Neal Spicer
1st Battalion Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry.