Remembering All Victims of War
Memorial Day is meant to be a solemn occasion for honoring the memory of American service members who have died fighting in U.S. wars. While the government and mainstream media typically use Memorial Day to glorify war, for us it takes on a different meaning. As veterans of U.S. wars, we too remember and mourn our “fallen,” but reject the pro-war undertones of the holiday, understanding that so many young lives have been sacrificed unwillingly in wars that should never have happened. And we take care to remember all lives lost in needless wars.
On this Memorial Day, as we pause to remember American service members who have died during the nation’s wars, let us also remember the astounding number of civilians who have perished in war. Since WWI, there have been far more civilian deaths in each conflict than military deaths – the ratio worsens by each conflict with each succeeding year – and the number of civilian wounded is many times greater than those killed outright.
As we remember the soldiers, sailors, military who have died in this nation’s wars, we must reflect on the broken lives and communities that endure – here in this country, on this land, and abroad – paying the true costs of war.
For most Americans, Memorial Day is a three-day, red-white-and-blue holiday marking the beginning of summer – a weekend of travel, barbecues, and endless sales. It's as if we Americans understand that the main freedom paid for with the blood of U.S. military members is our freedom to consume.
“Have a good Memorial Day” people will say, as if it is possible to have a good day when one is commemorating the war dead.
For Veterans For Peace, Memorial Day is an occasion for remembering all victims of war. It is a day to re-dedicate ourselves to the cause of peace – at home, and abroad – and to remind through our solemn ceremonies and displays that peace is possible if we really want it.
Memorial Day Reflections
By VFP Advisory Board member Phyllis Benis: "Counterpoint: Our Wars Haven’t Been Worth It, and Not Just in Iran" [DC Journal, May 21, 2026]
Recent interview with Ron Kovic: From Vietnam’s Horror to a Lifelong Fight Against the Madness of War [Scheerpost, May 22, 2026]