Most honorable tribute to those who died is not burying more

James Madison is hailed as the “Father of the Constitution” and the “Father of the Bill of Rights.”
His role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the first 10 amendments to it is unparalleled. His foresight, like many of our Founding Fathers, extended far and wide, including on the subject of war.
We are reminded of one of those thoughts today when we honor those who died serving our country with honor. Many of whom died in our nation’s wars from Madison’s time more than two centuries ago, up to today.
Throughout our history political leaders of both parties have often been quick on the draw to send our best and brightest into harm’s way.
However, especially after World War II, our civilian leaders put our military’s men and women in any number of perpetual wars.
Where not only was the mission not clear from the outset, but was allowed to be extended far beyond its original scope.
Wars in Korea, Afghanistan, Iraq and ongoing covert military operations in Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Niger and elsewhere look to be endless.
Not to mention Vietnam, which only ended after 20 years of the expenditure of the lives of tens of thousands of Americans for misguided political goals — a mistake.
Goals that we paid dearly for in blood and treasure and that drove a wedge into our country we still struggle with to this day.
As Madison correctly said long ago of war:
“Of all the enemies to public liberty war is, perhaps, the most to be dreaded, because it comprises and develops the germ of every other.
“War is the parent of armies; from these proceed debts and taxes; and armies, and debts, and taxes are the known instruments for bringing the many under the domination of the few.
“In war, too, the discretionary power of the Executive is extended; its influence in dealing out offices, honors and emoluments is multiplied; and all the means of seducing the minds, are added to those of subduing the force, of the people.
“ … No nation could preserve its freedom in the midst of continual warfare.”
Yet, we find ourselves stretched a dozen ways now in distant places that are remotely related to our national security.
The most honorable tribute to those who died serving our county is to reduce the risks of burying more war dead.
On this Memorial Day, support our troops by asking our leaders how deploying our troops to hell holes fits in the framework of liberty.