Memorial Day 2026 - When Johnny Comes Marching Home . . .

 

War By Any Other Name

One of 157 Military Cemeteries in the Country

Since 1868, Memorial Day has been reserved for us to take time out from our busy lives to recognize and remember all those who have faithfully served their country, especially those who paid the ultimate price. We fly our flags, attend ceremonies in cemeteries across the country and many dedicate the day to family gatherings. These are great traditions and are appreciated by all and especially those who have served.

Sadly, after a brief hiatus, it is yet another Memorial Day with the nation at war. Make that a “Military Conflict.” As with every other military action since WWII, we are told this is not a war. Also, as with every other conflict since WWII, tell that to the parents of the dead and injured GI’s; such distinctions mean very little.

Since WWII we have had several major “conflicts" starting with Korea and then Vietnam - but that is far from all the combat actions that have put US personnel at risk. Here are just a few of those actions:

- In the 80’s we invaded Grenada (operation Urgent Fury); lost 241 marines in the Lebanon hotel bombing; and we also bombed Libya.

- In the 90’s we liberated Panama (operation Just Cause); First Iraq war (Operation Desert Storm) and who can forget the Somalia incursion and “Black Hawk Down?”; also bombed Bosnia/Serbia. 

- The 2000's started with 9/11 and the "war on terror" in Iraq - again (Iraqi Freedom); and Afghanistan (Enduring Freedom.) Those major conflicts ended fairly recently. 

- So far, we have also bombed Syria, Iran and Libya - again. Not sure how to categorize it but we also kidnapped arrested the president of Venezuela (Absolute Resolve.) 

 - And sadly, we are now back in yet another “conflict” in the Middle East (Iran - Epic Fury.)

And we still have troops all over the world. 

Blackhawk

We are often told these actions are the “price of freedom” or “fighting for democracy." Sometimes I wonder if those phrases are thrown about a bit too loosely. As the famous German general and brilliant military strategist Carl von Clausewitz declared, war is a "continuation of political intercourse, carried on by other means." Almost certainly true - but not quite as rousing as "price of freedom" is it.

One can’t help but recognize, however, that these conflicts always start with our politicians' total confidence in our cause. Then, with fanfare, sharp uniforms, flags waving and great parades, the youth of our country go marching forward - from one conflict to another. Later, we see those Johnny’s - and Judy’s - come home again . . . with arms and legs missing or PTSD so bad they can no longer function in normal society.

It is not until much later in life that an old vet of several of those "conflicts" might ask, “what was it all for?” Perhaps it’s my advanced years – and well-honed cynicism - but I have just grown weary of watching that same sad scene happening over and over with apparently little to show for it.

A cynical person might also conclude that wars seem to be the only bipartisan attribute of our government. These actions have been equally undertake taken by Democrat and Republican administrations alike; by liberals and conservatives - and always somehow portrayed as “fighting for liberty."

I don't know the answer for the conundrum of assuring that a war – or conflict – is worth the price that our military always pays. As a retired officer of 28 years, however, I understand better than most that it is never the prerogative of the GI to ask why we are fighting, it is simply to salute smartly and charge the damn hill! It is not and cannot be the military’s duty or right to ask why. We answer our government’s call and serve only the Constitution – no matter the cause – and always will. 

Nonetheless, with a price so high it does seem to be a question worth asking.

Return of a fallen hero. . .

With that in mind as we celebrate Memorial Day, perhaps we can all take this opportunity to think about our own responsibilities in the decision to send our youth into harm’s way. In addition to ceremonies and picnics, it seems a small additional effort for all those who have answered - and will continue to answer - their country’s call without question.

In closing, I have posted the following on several past Memorial Days because I have never been able to find a better expression of my thoughts about this important day. To those of you who have read it before and grow weary, I apologize. To others, perhaps it will strike a chord. 

"War is young men (and now women) dying and old men talking."  Franklin Roosevelt        

Thoughts on "Taps."

I can’t listen to taps without tearing up. Sometimes I’m not sure why this is so. Is it because of the magnificent mournful horn that so perfectly matches the feeling of saying farewell to a warrior? Or am I crying for all the loved ones left behind — the millions and millions over many years? Perhaps I’m crying for something else, maybe I’m crying for myself.

Ultimately, I think I’m crying because taps reminds me that the world never seems to change for the better. No matter how many heroes pay the ultimate price, war always demands more. Worse, it always our young whom it craves. Worst of all, we proudly offer them up.

Maybe I’m sad that someone somewhere will always be able to make complete strangers kill each other for the same reasons over and over, like an eternal World War I trench battle that rages over the same, small piece of ground in perpetuity. Each generation, like some militant Sisyphus, pushes the rock of war up the hill only to have it roll back on the next. No matter how just, proud or righteous that rock appears, it remains a monument to a belligerent humanity’s worst instincts.

I spent 28 years in the military and my son has also served honorably. Someday taps will sound for each of us. And for that I am proud. But knowing that melancholy song will need to be played for endless future generations will always make me cry.

Not for sadness but for anger.  

Although that time when wars will no longer plague us is apparently still far in the future, perhaps commemorating Memorial Day can provide us with some hope that it will eventually come to pass.

Have a thoughtful Memorial Day.

D Roger Pederson

Taps USAF Band