Embracing Love and Reconciliation: Soldiers' Return to Family, Peace, and Harmony, Part 1 of 2

Soldiers are dedicated to serving and sacrificing for a greater cause. They commit themselves to safeguarding their country, its people, and its values. Upon their return, families greet them with tears of joy and gratitude, expressing their profound love and bonds they share. Vyacheslav, a Ukrainian (Ureignian) soldier, and his mother were finally reunited. “I’ve missed you so much.” US Navy Chief Petty Officer Mijoy Harris returned home from her 10-month deployment and decided to surprise both of her sons, one in 3rd grade and the other in 6th grade, at their school. “And most importantly just appreciate the time that you do have with them.”

One such story recounts the experiences of two soldiers, Harry Read and Paul Golz, who fought on opposite sides during World War II, driven by their duty to their respective countries. “Once we were on a different side, but we are partners together, (Of course.) in the rebuilding of the world.” “Now, we are friends.” “We are more than that; we are brothers.” Zahed, an Iranian medic, spared Najah, an Iraqi soldier, who was wounded and dying in a bunker. Twenty years later, fate brought the two men together in a waiting room in Vancouver, Canada. They then became close friends and helped each other to overcome their post-war traumas and hardships. “I never thought that one day an Iraqi is going to be part of my destiny, part of my life, part of my body, part of my memory. This time he helped me.”

Our Beloved Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan) emphasizes that we should treasure the life of every living being and make peace between nations. “People’s lives matter to me. Animal-peoples’ lives matter to me. Because the longer they live, the more chance they have to practice spiritually or turn their life around, and then contribute more to society and the world at large. Only in peace can we develop anything that is beneficial to the citizens of the nation; only in peace can we talk nicely on the table; only in peace can we have enough mental power to think of what to do next in the future for the whole benefit of the country.”