Among other things, the GWOT memorial should reflect the all-volunteer nature of the war.
This verse should be prominently displayed:
I understand and mostly agree with your larger point, brother.
But the GWOT was a prime example of a war happening “over there,” and not involving the whole nation.
In terms of manpower, it was fought by an all-volunteer force, most of whom did multiple tours. They made up for troop shortfalls by excessively leaning on guard and reserve components, stop-lossing active guys at the end of their service, and recalling troops from the IRR.
There was no draft hanging over the nation’s head. At no time was the average American threatened with being involuntary thrown into combat.
The cost of the GWOT was borne by an exceedingly small percentage of the population, while the rest of the country continued on as if nothing changed.