Posted on May 26, 2015
PO3 Steven Sherrill
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Vader memorial
(This failed to post from Mobile device yesterday)

I found this art on Facebook, and there was a rather heated argument as to whether it was appropriate or just plain disrespectful. I decided I wanted to get the opinion from the perspective of those who serve, or have served. The only thing I ask is please don't disrespect anyone else if you disagree with them.

(Edited because forgot to attach image on initial post.)
Posted in these groups: Star wars logo Star WarsMd Memorial Day
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 42
CW5 Desk Officer
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I'm sure there's some deep meaning that gives this "art" significance, but I don't like it. It detracts, in my humble opinion, from the solemnity of the wall and what it stands for. I assume these are some sort of movie or sci-fi characters. I get that it's "just art," but I vote that it is in poor taste. (Remember that urinating on the Christian cross was also considered "art." Pitiful.)
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SPC Mark Beard
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not only do i think this is wrong im very shocked but I shouldn't be by what i see how our flag is being treated I wonder if the person who did this art has ever been to the wall this is in very bad taste indeed
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SA Harold Hansmann
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I think using Luke Skywalker or Princess Leah with rebels and Ewoks might have been a bit more appropriate rather than using Darth Vader and storm troopers
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LCpl Mark Lefler
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I think its in poor taste, maybe not defile, but in poor taste, I know a lot of people will say "big deal" but in a way it kind of is. I would rather art like this not happen, but at the same time I'm not going to condemn the artist.
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SSG Drill Sergeant
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No. It's a lighter way of portraying the artists message.
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
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I am personally torn on this one. As an individual who thinks that Vietnam Veteran's have been ignored until recently, it is just piling on. As a Veteran, I dislike the idea of turning any war memorial into fantasy art. As a Star Wars fan, I see what the artist is trying to accomplish, and as a person who thinks that the current generation has no understanding of sacrifice I think it may at least inspire a couple of young folk to look into the art which may lead to looking into Vietnam. Anything that gets people thinking about service is a good thing.

As to the timing, I definitely do not think that it is an art piece that should have been shared on a day set aside for remembering those who died in defense of our great nation.
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Sgt Spencer Sikder
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A bit perplexed in how I feel about this. From one perspective I suppose it helps a younger generation (not sure how young since I was in when the first Star Wars film originally came out) to see the nexus of what the wall means to veterans.
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SCPO David Lockwood
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Why would you put the bad guy and not the good guy in the picture? I wonder what the artist was trying to portray?
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
PO3 Steven Sherrill
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It is not just bad guys, it is specifically Darth Vader. Darth Vader is portrayed as an unfeeling monster who would kill an underling for a minor offense. To show him mourning the loss of the soldiers on the Death Star shows that a service members death can impact anyone. Even the meanest, toughest, angriest person. It is to show contrast. If the same piece showed the good guys, it is what would be expected. The good guys always feel loss. That is why they are the good guys.
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS
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SCPO David Lockwood One of the biggest messages of Star Wars is that "bad guys" is a matter of perspective.
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SSgt Ncoic, Admin And Dts
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Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS I agree, we typically aligned our alliance with the rebels based on their story that was provided. Sure the Empire appeared tyrannical but whose to say good order was not maintained in the galaxy and the rebels wanted to over throw it because they were a small group of the oppressed? Maybe the galaxy was going through a period where they needed the strong rule for transition? its all perspective, im sure some people see us as the empire and others see us as the rebel alliance....you pick your side based on the information obtained/provided. Either way a leader that takes the time to mourn and recognize their losses is a good leader regardless the side of the war.
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SCPO David Lockwood
SCPO David Lockwood
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I just think it's poor taste on behalf of the artist.
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SCPO David Lockwood
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Edited >1 y ago
There is no picture to comment on. I will cast my vote when I am able t o view the picture.
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PO3 Steven Sherrill
PO3 Steven Sherrill
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I realized just after I posted that I forgot the image. It is up there now.
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SPC P. John Zimmer
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I see both sides of the argument and I am torn. I am honor bound to the military but I truly appreciate Star Wars. I think if something as small as one picture bothers you, you need to move on.
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