On Memorial Day I always find myself conflicted. Yes, I stand in awe of those who gave their life and/or limbs in military service. But I’m troubled by the thought that they died “defending our freedom”. When was there ever an existential threat to the USA? Possibly WWII? In all other cases, we went to war because we decided to, not because we were attacked, or even threatened with attack. So I have a hard time honoring wars of choice, and our current state of political rhetoric makes it almost impossible to separate the actual war from those who fought it.

Also: if there’s a cheaper, less meaningful way to honor the military than going for a ride on your Harley, I’m not aware of it.