I am unfamiliar with the wreath.

When I was 14 though, I remember going to watch the changing of the guard. I'll never forget that day. It cemented my distaste for honor in symbolism within the armed forces.

During the ceremony I, along with my classmates was standing watching the events. I remember being interested as I saw the guards beginning the motions to swap. Then out of the corner of my eye I saw one of my best friends collapse forwards and hit the ground without bracing his fall. He just laid there motionless as people began to scream.

As panic began to ensue there was a shout out for help. This was before individuals had personal cell phones, so it wasn't like calling 911 was an option. My friend was breathing but was unconscious and bleeding from his face where he hit the ground when he fell.

Eventually someone found a police officer who called an ambulance.

My friend woke up in a lot of pain and was rushed to the hospital. It turned out that he had an undiagnosed case of severe hypoglycemia.

During this entire series of events, the guards switched. They never attempted to help. They never tried to call for someone to assist. I don't expect them to be doctors, but I do expect them to maintain order, assist those in need and preserve life at all costs.

To symbolically honor people who are dead by not helping those who are alive is a shameful travesty.

Atma wrote:

I disagree. You said yourself there was a class there. Plenty of people there who could do something. The Tomb of the Unknowns has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since July 2, 1937. Inclement weather does not cause the watch to cease. Snow, Rain, Hurricane, Blizzard, Earthquake, Apocalyptic Meteor Shower. Doesn't matter. A kid falling and busting his face? I wouldn't have stopped either. Who says these guys are trained medics? In fact. To me, that proves just how dedicated they are to their Unknown Brethren.

14 year olds can't do crap. The teachers did the best they could, but remember there were no cell phones and no doctors. Even if one of the guards had used a radio or contacted someone to get medical assistance more quickly it would have been something.

Being vigilant in the name of honor is great, but what if my friend was bleeding out or had a heart attack? If getting medical assistance in a timely manner had been necessary, they would have just let him die. I am thankful that things turned out well, but I can't respect the tradition knowing what is being given up to preserve it.

Why don't we put defense turrets with mounted machine guns? They would do the same thing. Humans aren't meant to be robots.

Next time I have a friend that might be dying near the tomb I'll pick him up and throw him on the tomb. I guarantee the guards will react at that point.

Atma wrote:

Quote: Next time I have a friend that might be dying near the tomb I'll pick him up and throw him on the tomb. I guarantee the guards will react at that point. And yes, they would react. They would have you detained.

In a life or death situation, I would accept that. I understand the commitment and what it means. I just think that there is a different priority list for me.

When I look at life and prioritize the importance of things my list stacks up something like this:
Religion > Family > Friends > Other People > Country > Work > Fun

If country is the greatest thing in a person's life, then they can commit to certain things that most people cannot. Watching others suffer while they perform their duty is one, protecting citizens against all threads no matter the odds is another. I see great honor in protecting against all odds, but none in watching other suffer. The list is something that is usually different for each person, and I expect it to be. I simply can't respect anyone who would allow others to suffer if they had the ability to stop it because other people come before country and work for me.

Atma wrote:

And kind Sir. I respect you for sticking to your guns and what you believe in.

As I do you.

lavalarva wrote:

What I know is that if someone faints in front of you, don't do shit unless you have medical training, you'll almost always make matters worse. Just call for help. So in GP's case I don't think they had to react, but had his friend been alone I certainly hope they'd look for someone to help him.

That would have been enough in my book. They were by far the people who knew the cemetery the best and they have established emergency protocols. They were the most equipped to appropriately contact for help. Hell, even if it meant one of them should run to get someone else, they are soldiers in the best shape imaginable. I would guarantee that they are most capable of readily attaining medical assistance.