This Memorial Day, we remember not only those lost in war—but those we lost
after coming home. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
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Dear John,
Since responding to the attack of the WTC in New York City on September 11,
2001, I have felt the consequences of loss during war. With every combat
deployment thereafter, I directly felt the grief of losing fellow soldiers.
When possible, I visit one of their graves for Memorial Day.
I also served with comrades who came home, but never truly returned mentally
or emotionally. For me Memorial Day is also about honoring the men and women
who took their own lives here at home.
Memorial Day has a long tradition and sacred purpose in American history. We
recall our fallen, while celebrating the American values they died for. Our
Memorial Day observances should be a reflection, examining duty, sacrifice,
service, and purpose.
May is both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. For
me, Memorial Day highlights the overlap, because I’ve known too many American
heroes we lost back home.
Every trip overseas had emotional consequences, and, like many other veterans,
I’ve sought help.
Today a mental health epidemic rages through the veteran population. While
over 7,000 service members died overseas
<[link removed]> in operations since
September 11, 2001, over30,000 Global War on Terror veterans have killed
themselves <[link removed]>.
These suicides hit home personally. Among the four friends I mourn for their
post-deployment suicides, two were incredibly competent officers, strong
leaders, calm and confident in action.
Our war dead remind us of the need for introspection before committing to
military force.
Every life lost deserves remembrance. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and
Marines deserve a future, and blood should only be spilled when it is the sole
option to safeguard our freedom at home.
We as a nation owe the current and next generations of war fighters an honest
assessment of when military action is proper and necessary.
American service members who sacrificed themselves died to protect a nation
that strives for better. A nation of ideals.
We can best honor the fallen by defining clear national interests, around the
security of our borders in North America, our democratic system of governance,
and our economic prosperity. Young American lives should not be carelessly
spent, but only risked for compelling national interest.
We should exercise diplomacy first and partner to drive peace elsewhere, to
avoid risking military entanglement.
Reflection includes examining partnerships and alliances which should always
serve these core U.S. interests. We should never allow partners to sleepwalk us
into their wars, where Americans will die, unless it serves our needs as well
as theirs.
In the Middle East we spent decades fighting ever-evolving enemies. In Asia
and the Pacific our diverse partners and allies look first to America rather
than their own resources, even in the face of China’s rise. In Europe our NATO
allies are only slowly beginning to carry their own weight in continental
security. In cases America must be clear that we will not risk more service
members to be fondly recalled on a future Memorial Day, unless it truly
benefits those who would hold their memories. Young American lives should not
be carelessly spent.
Sincerely,
John Byrnes
Strategic Director
Concerned Veterans for America
Stay connected with CVA:
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Concerned Veterans for America
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Arlington, VA 22203
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