This isn't to attack those who profited from the deaths of men and women or to argue if the war themselves were the right thing to do. This is to honor those brave men and women who put on the uniform and risked their lives day in and day out following orders if they agreed with them or not.
My father and brother both served in the Army (father spent time in Korea while brother was in Desert Storm) both were blessed to come home in one piece but many were not so lucky. Even though there was a draft that forced some people into service most who did not want to go could get out of it if they chose to not fight for the country they lived in they could use family power and influence or leave the country but most men and women when called for service accepted that call.
Today is for those brave men and women who put America first before their family and their own lives. It's a day to remember the sacrifices and all that were lost on that day but lets not forget the ones who came home broken physically or mentally who still need our help. The VA estimates that 22 veterans commit suicide each day in America the majority who are over 50 and see no other way out. I can not imagine the horrors they witnessed or were part of (my brother will not speak of his time in Iraq) but I do respect their service. If you see a veteran today thank them, we did not treat them well after Vietnam lets not make that same mistake again. War is not the fault of the soldier, they are just a cog in the wheel and if you disagree with war then hold it against the people who sent them or who profited from it not the brave men and women who were just following orders.
If you see a homeless veteran today (or any day) thank them and if you can afford it maybe buy them dinner. Lets not forget the men and women who are no longer in uniform and are struggling day to day - 1 homeless veteran or 1 who thinks suicide is the only option are to many.