It is Veteran’s Day, November 11. This was the date of the armistice of the so-called Great War, the so-called “war to end all wars,” what we now call World War I because, of course, an even more deadly spasm of violence would engulf the globe just a few decades later.
I think of all who have served, and continue to do so. I think of the men and women today in dozens of far-off lands carrying out missions of which most Americans are unaware. I am deeply grateful for their service and deeply worried that there is not nearly the depth of debate we need in this country for how our armed services are deployed.
We are learning horrific new details of the firefight in Niger that left La David Johnson dead (apparently captured and murdered). The mission also claimed the lives of Bryan Black, Jeremiah Johnson and Dustin Wright. Let us remember their names as well.
Covering wars I have seen many young lives cut short, far too many. I carry their faces in my mind and try to remember their names as best I can. Each name was a life and a dream, bestowed by parents who hoped their child would outlive them.
We cannot allow ourselves to become inured to the cost of service. And I want to thank the fine staff at HISTORY for helping me mark this day with a personal tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price for their country.
Have you been to the military cemeteries I describe in the essay excerpt? Do you have your own personal memories summoned forth by this day? I always like to hear your thoughts .