The fear that Russian President Vladimir Putin sowed in Ukraine, after invading that country, reached the hearts of the mothers of Puerto Rican soldiers, who live with the uncertainty of being activated to fight in the war.
“These people – the leaders of the great nations – have to understand that there are other ways to deal with the world’s conflicts. Actually, in the war neither their children go nor they go personally. No, the children of the most vulnerable and needy go and use them as cannon fodder,” said a mother of a Puerto Rican soldier active in the United States Marine Corps reserve, with a trembling voice.
A father of a soldier, who assured in an interview with the press that he never agreed with his 24-year-old son joining the army, maintained that the great interests of Russia, Ukraine and the United States are the ones behind the current war. and “I don’t want my son to put his life on the line for that.”
According to the mother of the Puerto Rican soldier, the young man decided to join the US infantry in 2018 after his university studies at the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico were interrupted by the destructive passage of Hurricane Maria on the Island.
The Puerto Rican, who is based in San Diego, saw the Navy as an option at the time and opted to leave his studies in Agriculture. The now soldier was already in his second year of college.
“As a mother, I am very aware and alert to what may happen because everyone is concerned about the initiatives taken by the Russian government, but at the same time about the dangerous reactions of the Western and European world. I am on alert and in prayer so that this does not continue and my son is not sent to any field of war, ”she confessed.
Under claims, prayers and music, the organization Mothers Against War demanded this Wednesday the cessation of military combat in Ukraine and requested that the soldiers of the Isla del Encanto not be sent to the war.
“We Mothers Against War, lovers of peace, have experienced firsthand the horror of having a child in a war. We are making a resounding call to all the nations of the world to carry the message that the fire cease immediately and that a humanitarian corridor be opened so that essential supplies reach the Ukrainian people,” the director of Mothers Against War explained to the press.
The director claimed that it is absurd that in the XXI century “we have to see another war of this magnitude.”
The human rights defender took the opportunity to communicate that not only does the organization denounce the war in Ukraine, but also that they are against the fighting in Palestine, Syria or “wherever there is war”.
“We have experienced firsthand the effect that wars have on the military. That’s awful. The son who leaves; he comes back in another form. With post-traumatic stress syndrome and physical damage, ”she assured.
According to an investigation, 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
For this and many more reasons, the Director expressed that they continue to work to educate citizens about the effects of war and invite officials to join the fight for peace.
