One year ago today, I asked my readers to take a Memorial Day pause from the debate over the war in Iraq to reflect on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women, and to find ways to support them and their families. One year and almost 1000 U.S. dead later, I believe those Memorial Day sentiments are worth repeating:
Memorial Day this year arrives at an especially painful time for Americans. Over 2,400 U.S. troops have been killed and another 17,000 wounded in Iraq. New allegations have come to light regarding the possible slaughter of Iraqi civilians in Haditha by United States Marines just as heart-breaking details emerge about the disgraceful cover-up of the death of Pat Tillman in Afghanistan. Painful times indeed.
But on this Memorial Day, we should set aside the shame of Haditha, the outrage over the stain of Abu Ghraib, and the manipulation of the memory of Pat Tillman. This Memorial Day, like every other, is to honor ours troop of all wars and remember and support their families. We are immensely privileged to live in a nation where a selfless few fight and sacrifice so that we might live in freedom. This is their day of tribute and remembrance.
For the other 364 days a year, we can and should ask why they died and what actions they and they leaders took in our name. But not on Memorial Day. Not for me.
Perrspectives has assembled a set of resources, most by way of the Defense Department, where you can help support the troops. This resource center provides links to lists and images of the fallen, sending messages and care packages to the troops, charities offering family services, facilitating donations, and providing care and comfort to the wounded.
Visit the Perrspectives Resource Center to access these and other resources to support our troops and their families.