Iraq Veterans Against the War will spend this Memorial Day in its true meaning of remembrance and not in the decadent world of three-day weekends, barbecues and flag waving which has come to replace the image of fallen service members in the minds of most Americans. We cannot, will not and must not forget those who have, from our ranks and the ranks of previous generations, fallen as we are they and they are we. No matter what your political affiliation, views of the war or personal convictions tell you, it is undeniable the level of personal sacrifice those who have and do wear the uniform give to this nation. Instead of celebrating this weekend let's take this time to reflect on what personal sacrifice really means. Those families who have been presented with a gold star know like no other could even imagine the depth of sacrifice that accompanies a lifetime of awakening without a dearest loved one. We as Veterans are left with a mere reflection of our lost brothers and sisters in arms. Let us use this reflection to call ourselves to action this Memorial Day, as a starting point to renew our vigor and continue our drive to end this current war. As a nation we enjoy this day but do not question an administration that formulates a war plan that sends service members off without proper equipment, fires military personnel that question ill-prepared plans and castigates civilians who by speaking out use the very freedom those service members swear to protect. It is thus with the reflective insight only another warrior can have that IVAW once again states our demands:

1) Bring all troops home NOW!
2) Take care of those troops when they get home!
3) Pay Reparations to Iraq!