As I have a cousin who served three terms in Iraq...
And a good friend of mine joining the Marines...

I want to take some moments of silence.

First, a moment for the soldiers who died in combat.
You died defending your country and the ideals you believe in.
We salute you.

Second, a moment for the veterans who managed to make it back.
For the veterans who can't get rid of the memories of their friends dying beside them.
Even if after the war the benefits you were entitled to were denied
Even if your collective voice is often swept aside
We respect you.

Third, a moment for the fat cats in Washington who send us to war.
For the noble few who have been there and know what war means
We acknowledge you.
For the crass multitude who have never been there, who don't know what it means,
Who believe proving America's military willpower is more important
Than having the young men and women of our country grow old enough to graduate college
We have nothing to say to you.

And finally, a moment for each and every single soldier currently serving overseas.
Because even if the war you're fighting is unnecessary
Because even if Washington doesn't know what to do with you other than to let you die
You're still our countrymen.
And we love you.


.........


I love my countrymen, no matter who they are, or what mindless war they're fighting.
They're still my brothers and sisters.
Even if you hate the government,
Support our troops.
Pass this on.

~composed by Tevye "Inter" Friedlander