Others’ wars always become our wars

Re: “Canada not a player in war games,” “Canada should pursue peace, not war,” “Little benefit in fighting other people’s wars,” letters, April 7.

Comments on the letters page were revealing. Few who have served in the military can ever be accused of glorifying war. It is usually those who did not participate in such events who are guilty.

Weapons used in warfare do indeed maim, kill and destroy, but that is the ugly part of warfare.

In all wars that Canadians have been involved in, in none of them can Canadians be called “minor-leaguers.” The Canadian army, navy and air force in all conflicts since the start of the 20th century have been major contributors alongside their allies. In the Second World War, Canada had the third-largest Allied navy, and all services were major contributors on D-Day. The same applied in the Korean War, the Cold War and Afghanistan.

Eliminating the military sounds great, until your country needs one, or unless you have a saviour such as the U.S. providing your defence against those who covet your country. This is already the reality in Canada, where the U.S. provides the majority of defence of Canada, with Canadian governments unwilling to contribute proportionally.

Unfortunately, even though there is great sacrifice and little advantage in fighting other people’s wars, these wars invariably become our wars.

Robin Allen Victoria