Today is a quiet day here in the U.S. - banks are closed, schools are empty and meaningful moments of silence fill the air. It is Memorial Day today, which commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country.

Many people simply see it as a day off from work, school or their other duties. Both of my grandfathers and my half-uncle were in the military and while I would never personally join, I am thankful for their effort and personal sacrifice on behalf of the entire country.

For the past few years, Memorial Day has been peppered with frustration for many residents of U.S. due to our involvement in the Iraq War. I personally believe that we do not need to be in the Middle East anymore.

While I know that my sentiment is shared by millions of the world’s citizens, many still believe that the war is justified and that we are “doing good.” No matter your belief, today is a day to remember those we have lost in the short time we have existed as a nation.

War has been a source of pride, power and sorrow in every nation on our dying planet. Fighting only breeds more fighting - I fear the cycle shall never end. We must not forget where we have come from and what has brought us to our current state. Let us not make the same mistakes countless times.

Tomorrow, Victoria-E.com will return to its regular, sustainable-focused posts. Until then, I’ll be spending the day is thankful, contemplative silence.

[Image courtesy of soldiersmediacenter on flickr.com]