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There is reason for celebration as well as remembrance today. This is the first Memorial Day in 20 years that our nation is not at war — hallelujah!
Our celebration must, however, be tempered by the fact that among the 3 million-plus members of our armed forces who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (including my son), 7,057 service members — and 8,000 civilian contractors — gave the last full measure for their country.
We must remember, too, that those lives lost also mean that thousands of families watched with dread as a military vehicle pulled up to their home bringing them the terrible news. No words can describe that pain.
An additional and unique pain from these wars that we must acknowledge is reflected in the high suicide rate among these veterans. As of July 2021, 30,177 have taken their own lives. That's more than four times as many as those who died in combat. The demons of war always claim their share one way or the other.
Therefore, this Memorial Day I hope we can put aside our petty political differences and come together to back up our usual empty "thoughts and prayers" with real action to support these heroes.
First, as the bills come due in the years to come, some estimate that caring for these vets alone will cost $2.5 trillion. Let's pledge to do our duty and pay our fair share without whining and complaint.
