As a Quaker pacifist, I am often conflicted about how to ethically respond to Veteran's Day. While I myself do not condone violence as a means of settling our differences, either personally or as a nation, I have no problem honoring those who willingly put themselves in harm's way to protect my country and our values of democracy and justice.
If you know a veteran, thank them for their service today.
And if you are a Second Life resident, consider visiting "The Wall" -- a powerful re-creation of the Vietnam Veteran's memorial at this SLURL. It is a poignant reminder of how many gave everything in that terrible conflict. The build mimicks well the physical appearance of Maya Lin's astounding real life memorial in Washington DC, down to the reflective surfaces and sensation of going down into a deep place. But beyond just the imagery, the virtual Wall includes a comprehensive database that enables you to look up the particulars on each dead soldier, find their spot on the wall, and leave a virtual flower or candle if you so wish.
Similar to the equally powerful 9/11 memorial, this sim uses well the immersive capabilities of the virtual world to give the participant an emotionally involving and thought-provoking experience.
With SecondLife not being of soley one nation, should we not be honoring all veterans regardless of nationality? And, how do we deal with honoring veterans of oposing nations without people taking offence? Consider that noone goes to war beleaving that they are the "bad guys."
Posted by: Chris | November 16, 2007 at 01:49 PM
It's a very good point.
Second Life certainly has room for people of different nationalities to honor their war veterans and war dead in their own way. There is another sim for "remembrance day" which is celebrated in the UK and Australia and Canada mostly.
What would be interesting would be a memorial from Vietnamese SL residents commemorating THEIR veterans in the war. And perhaps some joint honoring of ALL those lost in war.
Posted by: rikomatic | November 16, 2007 at 04:14 PM
It's a very good point.
Second Life certainly has room for people of different nationalities to honor their war veterans and war dead in their own way. There is another sim for "remembrance day" which is celebrated in the UK and Australia and Canada mostly.
What would be interesting would be a memorial from Vietnamese SL residents commemorating THEIR veterans in the war. And perhaps some joint honoring of ALL those lost in war.
Posted by: rikomatic | November 16, 2007 at 04:14 PM