In 1971 Memorial Day, as we know it, was created by an act of Congress, expanding the scope of the civil war remembrance holiday known as Decoration Day in order to honor the soldiers that had died fighting for our freedom, our security, and our democracy in all US wars. However, it is interesting to note that not a single war since then has made us more secure, free, or democratic. A soldier deserves respect and honor, regardless of the idiotic mistakes of those who sent him/her to war. So remember the good men and women who have died in service of this country, but also consider why exactly we are sending them to their deaths in the first place.