Dear Editor,

Bob Groeneveld notes that some people don't like war [Just a few things to think about, Nov. 8 Odd Thoughts, Langley Advance], however the reality is that most people are peace-loving and don't like war, and almost the complete soldier fraternity is a proponent of this ideology.

Since the soldiers have to get through the hell of war and they can visualize the collateral damage a war can cause, as such, they would always vote against any war mongering effort.

The famous dogma that "war is diplomacy by other means" is being professed, and also is being vigorously followed by some people.

Let us ask ourselves who these people are.

Some may say that "politics is the last refuge of the scoundrels" and these worthy people play an important role to initiate this conflagration of war.

Let us try to dissuade and wean away these people from war and self-destruction. As Sun Tzu had said, "to win without fighting is best" needs to be practised.

Disciplined soldiers wage a war on behalf of a nation following just and well-considered orders.

For a soldier, no sacrifice is too great to achieve victory in a war, since there are no runners-up in such a conflict.

As such, soldiers of the day must possess winnable qualities of sound character, hard training, latest equipment, and technology.

On this count, a passing comment of Bob is loud and clear that equipment of our forces "is not always up to snuff." This aspect deserves full attention and should not be undermined.

Our "warlessness" will not be accountable for unfavorable results in war, but our obsolete equipment and technology will.

Lastly, General MacArthur said, "Old soldiers do not die, they just fade away." Fade away they must, but not unsung and uncared for. Post-retirement care is as important as hard training and the latest equipment for a soldier.

Events like Remembrance Day "celebrations" go a long way in bolstering the morale of soldiers waging a war on behalf our nation in any part of the globe. All those who planned and took part in these celebrations deserve commendation.

Harnek Singh Toor, Aldergrove