Unnecessary Grief

Tom Manion, a 30-year military veteran, lost his Marine son in Iraq on April 29, 2007. He writes in the Wall Street Journal about the death of his son, the death of others, and Memorial Day:

My son is one of thousands to die in combat since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Because of their sacrifices, as well as the heroism of previous generations, Memorial Day 2012 should have tremendous importance to our entire nation, with an impact stretching far beyond one day on the calendar.

As the father of a fallen Marine, I hope Americans will treat this Memorial Day as more than a time for pools to open, for barbecues or for a holiday from work. It should be a solemn day to remember heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, and also a stark reminder that our country is still at war.

It should be a solemn day alright. A day to remember that all members of the U.S. military that died in Iraq died in vain and for a lie. The day should also be a stark reminder that our country is still fighting unjust and unnecessary wars that result in unnecessary grief for parents.

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7:10 am on May 26, 2012