Memorial Day 2011-Peace

In the American tradition I went to the local Memorial Day Parade and cemetery observances this morning.
After hearing the prayers and speeches citing the remembrances of the fallen in conflicts throughout the world involving the US armed services, I was struck by the notion of “never again”. Have we not practiced what we preach? Have we learned anything? Violence begets violence even if it is a defensive tactic. I am thankful for those who chose to serve, yet deeply saddened that they must do so because our society cannot seem to reach negotiated peace.