The Boulevard (Unplugged Live) by Andreas and the Revolving Riot published on 2023-05-31T17:14:13Z I believe that militaries and wars in general are many, many things. Most of all, I believe that they are a big business. The biggest business in the world, actually. Industrial, money-making machines that exemplify control. Power. Greed. Though I memorialize the entire world's fallen soldiers, have many friends and family who have served and cannot begin to describe every detail of intension... what I did not salute in the past and still do not, is the recruitment style of behavior that these militaries bestow on the youth. That goes for the entire world. I wrote this poem in high school after being disturbed by military solicitors that were allowed to set up booths on campus with the intent of recruiting students starting as early as 14 years old. Children with no formed thought of their own. In Greece, for example, it is mandatory and still mandatory that I go. This is a global issue for me. Memorial Day is not controversial to me, I stand by the many men and women that have served all the countries all around the world. Remember that, this is not limited to the U.S.A. today or any day! This stretches beyond the borders and to everyone's children. What I do not stand by is oppression of any kind and the causes of these wars. No matter how convoluted and distorted these issues and their details may be. No matter how necessary offenses and defenses may be. On this, I end my entry and hope that most of us agree. -Andreas Stavropoulos Genre Alternative Rock