Those of us who believe recent wars to be counterproductive to American
interests are put in a bind on days like this: While we appreciate the
bravery and self-sacrifice of those who put themselves in harm's way, we
believe the wars they fought were mistakes, and so feel conflicted
expressing gratitude. If everyone had refused to fight the purposeless,
misguided war in Iraq, for example, we would not be be faced with the
disaster we are in now. The decision to begin this war was not made by
18-year- old high schoolers from Kentucky or wherever, yet without them it
could not have been fought. How do you thank those who have unknowingly
precipitated a catastrophe?