So many men.

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If you look around the web a bit, you find articles about the number of men, officially, that America has lost in the many wars.  There are those not included in those numbers, too, of course.  Indian fighters both official and men who died trying to protect their family, small patch of land, and livestock, it isn't convenient history at this time.  Men who died doing things the government denied.  But also not counted are officers of the law and intelligence services.  I don't know how many more than the one million plus official count that becomes, just that they should be remembered with honor as well.

Beside the real number is the quality of men.  These were not men who had few options, no hope of a future, and no choice.  The men who have died, and continue to die, for the cause that is America are men, barring conflict, who could have been just about anything.  They were free men.  They could have pursued an education, or chosen a career as a carpenter, they might have become a candidate for some office, or even become the president of the U.S.  These were men with a wide open future.  Young healthy intelligent men full of potential.  

I personally am grateful to these men.  My grandfather, father, all of my uncles, some of my cousins, and some of my brothers have served.  Some have served in war some in peacetime.  While I lost none of my family to war I did get to see something else.  It is amazing to see what men who make it back go on to do with their lives, their country, and their families.  It is painfully obvious what a treasure we have left on battlefields the world over.  We get to do what many men can't do. 

To the men who are still serving, home and abroad, thank you.  I know how hard you work, how thankless it can all seem, and how little we pay you!  I hope you know, in your heart, what you do is right.  I hope you keep it up, do your work, but more that you end up at home ready for the next day or the next deployment or the next part of your life.  You really are appreciated.