A professional soldier understands that war means killing people, war means maiming people, war means families left without fathers and mothers. All you have to do is hold your first dying soldier in your arms, and have that terribly futile feeling that his life is flowing out and you can't do anything about it. Then you understand the horror of war. Any soldier worth his salt should be antiwar. And still, there are things worth fighting for.

Summary

This quote highlights the profound understanding that comes from experiencing the dire consequences of war firsthand. The speaker, likely a professional soldier, acknowledges the devastating toll war takes on individuals and families. They argue that the visceral experience of cradling a dying comrade underscores the senselessness and futility of war. While advocating for an antiwar stance, the quote acknowledges that there are still causes worth defending, suggesting the complexities and moral dilemmas faced by those in the military. Ultimately, it encourages a nuanced perspective on the nature of war and its inherent tragedies.

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