I intended to post something today about the soldiers who are losing their lives in Iraq, and how we can remember them--simply, and without political complications. Perhaps everyone can find their own way. Here is mine:
Whenever possible, I try to watch the last few minutes of the nightly NewsHour on public television, when they show in silence pictures of those recently fallen in Iraq. Each listing includes name, hometown, and age. The ABC Sunday news progam This Week closes by presenting the names of the week's U.S. war dead. I try to watch that also. In each case, I read the name to myself and try briefly to honor the service of that person with a simple thought of appreciation, and of sympathy for their loved ones.
It only takes a few minutes--and I don't know exactly what good it does, but it seems right. I end by thinking with compassion of the Iraquis who have died, and of all those who live in danger.
As it turns out, there was a commentary from journalist Leroy Sievers on NPR's Morning Edition radio program this morning which expressed some of my own thoughts. You can listen to it here.
