Vasili

S5000275, originally uploaded by wr_downing33.

When my cousin told me that he was entering his one year of mandatory service for the Greek Military Service, I thought he would have a lot of horror stories to tell. Thus far, his first four months have been pleasant and he speaks about how much time off they are given, and he often has the opportunity to return home for weekends.

The really interesting part of this story is the fact that he has embraced his military service as part of his nationalism. This is a great feat because, like so many of his peers, Vasili has developed a growing discontent with his government for providing a lack of education and jobs to the youth of Greece. For him, however, the opportunity for him to serve, like his father and his grand father, et al has reconnected him to why he loves his country so much.