The "Greatest Generation" had nothing on this crop. They are the best educated, most dedicated force in history. What other Army would go into combat allowing reporters to witness its every move? None in the past would have dared. The U.S. military is bloodied, not broken. A bloodied Army is more dangerous. Be afraid, Iran and Syria, be very afraid.
As the war enters its fourth year the number of troops lost to all causes is approaching 2,400. That number may ring a bell - it's the same losses we suffered at Pearl Harbor; in the first three hours of WWII.
The loss of all those brave lives are to be mourned. And the task of living is to ensure they will not have died in vain - that as Abraham Lincoln proclaimed in the aftermath of another momentous occasion, to give a new birth of freedom and ensure that government of the people, for the people and by the people shall not vanish from the earth.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")