Memorials. Long past, near past, remember, rinse, repeat.

So tomorrow is memorial day. It is a day to remember those who have lost their lives for the sake of our country, ordered to by those that lead them. Regardless as to whether the leadership was doing the right thing, the smart thing, or the moral thing. For one reason or another, whether willing or not, those people found themselves soldiers and died on foreign soil for our team. They should be remembered, the horrors of war should be remembered. The loss, the tragedy should be remembered so as not to be repeated without realizing the consequences. People die. Not strangers, but friends, neighbors, relatives. Good people, hard working and dedicated. Many of them, maybe naively, believed they fought the good fight. Their bravery, their courage, their last desperate minutes should be remembered.

War is a horrible thing. Not something to be started to cover up issues at home. Not for political or financial gains, not for heroic soundbites or future statue building, not to, mistakenly, help the economy. It is not some distant thing to the parents, wives, husbands, and children of those sent away to risk death. It is not okay to cut their pay, extend their stay, or limit their benefits. War is brutal. For those willing to put their lives on the line, right or wrong, there should be a hero's welcome home, full medical benefits, lifelong, for them and their families, pensions, education, and celebration.

Yes, tomorrow I will remember those who have died, and those that are dying. I will also speak up for those who are out there now, being pushed to their limit without adequate resources, without the respect they deserve. They need us, we need them.

They are willing to die, what are we willing to do?