All I can really say about Memorial Day is whether you agree with the politics that got us into certain conflicts or not, you have to respect the people that gave their lives. Respect is also due to those that put their lives in harm's way.
My father is a veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
In WWII he was on a destroyer in the Pacific.
In Korea, he was on various assignments.
In Vietnam, he began as Commander of VA 212, flying A-4 Skyhawks off the Oriskany. By the end, he was the only man to command two separate aircraft carriers, Ticonderoga and Bon Homme Richard.
My brother, Jeff is a retired USMC Colonel. He did various things, and was C.O. of the 1st S.R.I. group sent to Mogadishu during the "BlackHawk Down" incident.
My brother, Carl is a retired Sargeant Major from the Army. His last post was Command Sargeant Major of the Military Police in Seoul, South Korea.
My neice, Joslyn is currently a Captain in the USMC. Her last post was military liason officer to U.S. Senator Dodd. She spent some time in Iraq.
My Dad, Jeff, and Joslyn all are graduates of Annapolis, (three generations of Hemler's!).
If you don't think this effects you, just think; If the Japanese or Germany had won WWII, do you think we'd be playing disc golf now? Unlikely.