Some Things To Ponder On Veteran's Day

November 11th was first celebrated after World War I as Armistice Day.   That's because the fighting in the "Great War" ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.   Here in the United States we have changed Armistice Day into Veterans Day, and made it a day to celebrate and remember the veterans of all of America's wars.

I believe these veterans should be honored for their service to their country -- even those who fought in unpopular or unnecessary wars.   These men and women did not make the decision to go to war.   They just fought the wars declared by the politicians in Washington, and they did it with honor and integrity and bravery.   All Americans owe them a debt of gratitude.

Anyone who reads this blog even semi-regularly will know that I oppose the current and seemingly endless wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (just as I opposed the Vietnam War when it was being fought).   But my problem is with the politicians who started the wars and continue them to this very day -- not the brave young men and women of all races, colors, ethnicities, ages, religions, or sexual preferences who did their duty as ordered.   I honor the men and women veterans of all American wars for their bravery and heroism, and for doing their duty to the best of their ability.

Having said that, here are some things we should ponder seriously on this hallowed day:

1,378 Americans have been killed in Afghanistan

7,266 Americans have been wounded in Afghanistan

4,745 Americans were killed in Iraq

31,902 Americans were wounded in Iraq

These figures do not include the suicides committed by soldiers that have served in these wars, or the serious psychological problems experienced by many Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

And despite what you may have heard, both wars continue.   How many more American casualties will there be before the Washington politicians come to their senses and end these wars?