The simple straight-talking truth is that blood 'n' guts McCain doesn't support the troops. He supports the brass.

It may be hard for a third-generation officer to make that distinction. The troops, however, will be able to figure it out.

This has been cross-posted on KnoxViews.com

No matter how you feel about the war, keeping the troops in our hearts and minds daily is the least we can do for them. I know every time one of the TV programs gives a profile of a soldier killed in action, tells their story, and reveals their family's agony, their grief and loss, I choke up. I cry quietly. I offer my gratitude.

The sacrifice a person makes to join the service with the noblest intentions is worthy of our awe and respect. With so many restrictions on media coverage, we don't get much of a chance to realize just exactly what our troops are facing on a day to day level, what they are thinking, how perplexing it is to face the realities of conflict, all the small noble acts each of them bears witness to every day, the horrors they see. War is not pretty. It should only be commenced when no other choice presents itself. The cost in human lives is always enormous. The cost to individuals is also enormous.

Veterans too often find themselves alone once the comraderie and adreniline rush of survival is over. I know because I spent time at the VA center on Magnolia. I saw first-hand how hard it is for veterans to get a job, to get medical services. I saw how many were homeless or suffering from war-related traumas. That's why it's important that we demand better services for our returning veterans. That's why each one of us should listen to the loving Spirit within ourselves, should earnestly believe in and pray for peace on earth.

On this one day, we are given an opportunity to salute our veterans, but it's also important to remember them after the parade passes and the political speeches drift away. They were willing to die for a cause they believed in. They were willing to die for us. It doesn't get much rawer than that. It doesn't get more noble.