The Military Academy has a simple, three word motto: “Duty, Honor, Country,” which the greater Army has adopted at least unofficially. The problem is that the facts indicate that the expectation of living one’s life according to the principles of dedication to duty, adherence to honor, and love of country only go one way. The military expects its members to behave according to this immutable ethical code, yet has proven time and time again, especially within the context of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that this code doesn’t apply to the highest levels of the organization, doesn’t apply to the policy makers, spokespeople, and “deciders.”

For most of us, Memorial Day is the “unofficial” first day of Summer: a time for family get togethers, trips to the beach, and afternoon barbecues. It’s usually nothing more than a three-day weekend bookending the summer with Labor Day on the other end, a brief respite from the workweek grind, soon forgotten come Tuesday morning.

Ironically, the last thing Memorial Day should be is a day to forget, as it is quite literally a day of remembrance, the only day officially set aside to preserve the memories of those who have passed.

My interest is always piqued when another war film hits the theaters. As a cinemaphile, I’m concerned with seeing a well-conceived, researched, and executed story that creates a profound emotional response. As a …

This week Congress was graced by the appearances of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, who both testified as to the current state of affairs in Iraq. Much was made of the fact …