6 former secretaries of defense in WashPost Opinions: We must memorialize the fallen in the global war on terrorism

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Robert M. Gates, Leon E. Panetta, Chuck Hagel, Ash Carter, Jim Mattis and Mark T. Esper write in Washington Post Opinions: At the end of World War II, Winston Churchill suggested the arch leading into the bomb-stricken House of Commons be rebuilt with stone scarred by the war. He hoped it would be a reminder to future generations of the fortitude and sacrifice of those who fought and the families who stood behind them.

As the global war on terrorism reaches its 20th year this Sept. 11, the United States needs a place to honor its sacred war dead. Calls to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Crisis Line have surged since the United States left Kabul. Veteran service organizations have responded with concern, putting out letters, op-eds and videos reminding veterans that their service made a difference.

Yet there is no national memorial to the global war on terrorism. No eternal reminder of the brave women and men who gave their lives for their country. No place to collectively honor the troops, veterans, families and friends who remain. We cannot wait 50 years to break ground on a memorial for this war.

[…]The National World War II Memorial was completed almost 60 years after the conflict ended. A 20-year-old World War II veteran returning home would have visited the memorial at 80 years old. Most never made it there. We must give friends, families and veterans a place to gather, throughout their lifetimes, with the spirits and memories of all those they lost.



In these days after the exit of the last American service member from Afghanistan and before the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, the president and the Congress have an opportunity and an obligation to get this done.

Read more: https://wapo.st/3yUOPND

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Here’s how we “honor the fallen.” We take these former Secretaries of Defense, alongside their Presidents, the Congress-creatures, the high-ranking government officials, and every executive in the military-industrial-banking-media-complex who PROFITED from these wars, and we send them all to Guantanamo Bay for life. Better yet? Firing squads.

    • And don’t forget “Intelligence!”
      They’re a proud bunch. It might hurt their feelings.
      No Offense intended.

  2. So, the question is, how do we honor fallen soldiers after we realize the war is Fake and False.
    The most obvious answer is to advocate that we do not do that again. Step forward and make sure that we never do that again.

    But, tradition and medals and shiny shoes and helmets, dictate that we conjure a memorial.
    The story of Afghanistan is one of undeserved medals. Somebody has to swallow this.

    Who will it be ?

    May I hazard a guess ? Nobody with Major or above ? They will yearn to pin it on the common folk. And if you let them, you are my enemy. Luckily I am non-violent.

    Who is Winston Churchill and why would any article about US military, lead off with him ?

    • As an artist, I might suggest a wall of names like the Viet Nam memorial, with all the names of the innocent civilians,.Built, finished, and placed, In the land of the Invaded.
      Do this, and walk proud. Otherwise, keep blathering on about duty.

      Generals of today, are groomed and programmed. Mattis is disappointing. Warrior monk my ass. He is a pussy for not daring to be a civilian.

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