Red and Rover by Brian Basset for May 30, 2011

There’s some really sad thoughts!

Very unique way to present a very solemn day. Nice job Brian!

Very nice, Brian.

How very, very sad. I never had quite this perspective before. But how true.

one of the few comics honoring the day. i’m glad it’s done in a good way.

I think I understand what Brian is trying to say and what the other commenters are responding to, but it seemed to me this comes close to trivializing the tragedy of war. But that’s just me, and war movies tend to make me cry.

(August 7 is the 50th anniversary of my enlistment in the Army. I’m proud of my service, but although I was liable to nuclear annihilation at any moment, I never got shot at, so I don’t compare my service to those I consider true veterans.)

pschearer, thank you for your service—it sounds like you did your duty and it doesn’t matter to me that you weren’t shot at.

I think the thought of a loyal dog waiting for a master who will never come home is a fine symbol. Reminds me of Ulysses’ faithful dog Argos.

I love these videos of dogs welcoming home soldiers: http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/40324

Great strip Brain.

As a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary I appreciate the remembrance of this day, even put this way. A loyal pet will only understand his/her master has never come home and not realize why. This one is enough to make me cry. Yesterday’s Daddy’s Home was a good one also

“(August 7 is the 50th anniversary of my enlistment in the Army).”Gee, it think it was just about 50 years ago that I was drafted into the Army. I now hang around with a lot of Korean War veterans and compared to their tour in Korea, mine was more like a vacation.

brovo

While we’re at it, let’s salute the 4 legged soldiers who have served & given their lives for our freedom, too. The new generation of IED sniffers are black Labs.

I remember from some of the older strips that Red spends Memorial Day visiting the grave of an Uncle who was killed in action. I think Brian’s strip here shows it’s not just the human members of the family left behind to grieve that also owe a debt to the fallen. Simple and beautiful.

This reminds me of when Dubya started sending reservists to his Iraq war. There were several stories in the news about pet shelters being overwhelmed with soldiers’ pets.

The tragedy of war leaves many family members behind, but we forget about the canine members. Not only do they get left behind by KIA deaths, but carry a burden of those who come back with most of their bodies, but damaged minds. Like the rest of the families, they have a continuing duty which is rarely recognized. Like the Greens say, “Give disabled veterans all they need – and stop disabling more.” Thanks, Brian.

chuklitl, you said it well. thanks to the dogs and their handleers who love them.

Love this. Beautiful tribute, Brian.

Very nice sentiment Brain Basset.. “Lest We Not Forget”…

Very touching!

I can’t remember the last time I cried reading a strip—-but in a good way, if that makes sense. Thanks, Brian! And pschearer, thank you for your service—-you served, which is more than many can say.

Beautiful Brian!

Thank you, Brian, for expressing the real sentiments behind Memorial Day—or Decoration Day, as my WW2 Army veteran Dad always referred to it. It’s so much more than a day for cookouts or the beginning of the summer shopping season.

A very beautiful strip; it points out how much was given, more than we sometimes think of. It helps to bring a new perspective to those who gave EVERYTHING.

Awesome, Brian!