We can better honor those who have died if we take steps to avoid further deaths, and if we clearly understand what they died for, what their sacrifice truly was. Not for a crusade of good against evil, but evil against evil; between the gnashing gears of international politics they go so that the rest of us are not thrown in. That, to me, is a harder thing to die for, and a more honorable sacrifice. I, for one, would not deny them that for the sake of my own beliefs.
It is comforting to believe that our soldiers are guardians against evil, mighty sentinels who protect our land from cruel and greedy enemies. But a measure of greed and of evil exists in all of us, whatever our nation, whatever flag we salute, and there are those who would use our patriotism to their own ends. If we truly love and respect our country and its armed forces, we must be our own guardians, watching our thoughts lest we fall into a dream and let our soldiers die while we sleep in revelry.
Therefore do not criticize the critical, when their desire is that we know and understand the nature of sacrifice and of war itself, that we may better honor the dead and preserve the living.
Thank you Jefedenada.
You are exactly correct. Those volunteers, and I was one of them, are the reason service isn't based on a draft or compulsory. (as it is in many countries)
I would think that all US citizens could at least be thankful for those doing the lifting so others don't have to.
Whether we love or hate the government, honor the fallen volunteers in service of OUR country.
They earned it with their lives.