What makes a hero in war? If that war is unjust, do the soldiers involved deserve to be treated as heroes? And what is the civilian role in these heroics?
People in most countries seem to believe that all those who fight for their country, even when pursuing an aggressive and brutal war, are entitled to be honored. Not two weeks ago, President Barack Obama paid tribute to U.S. citizens who gave their life in battle — even in theaters such as Vietnam and Iraq, which many regard as unnecessary wars at best — or killing fields plain and simple.
"The finest fighting force in the history of the world," perorated the president about his country's military.