Memorial Day

I know it's not usual Memorial Day fare, but I can't help but think of Patton today. It's not about streamer-festooned parades, yellow ribbons, or warm-and-fuzzy remembrances. These men went through Hell and nothing we do to make ourselves feel better about their sacrifice will change that. So, to really honor the American soldier, why not use the quintessential warrior from our quintessential war: George S. Patton.

"War is a bloody, killing business. You've got to spill their blood, or they will spill yours! Rip them up the belly. Shoot them in the guts. When shells are hitting all around you and you wipe the dirt off your face and realize that instead of dirt it's the blood and guts of what once was your best friend beside you, you'll know what to do."

"No bastard ever won a war by dying for his country. He won it by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his country."
- George "Blood and Guts" Patton