Memorial Day in the United States is a time to remember those members of the military who have died in service to our country. Originally known as Decoration Day, this federal holiday originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers as widows would turn out to decorate the graves.
In fact, as I write this, all available members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, are a just a mile away from GPO headquarters at Arlington National Cemetery, planting over 280,000 small U.S. flags—one at each grave marker— that will stay in place just for Memorial Day weekend, carrying on an annual “Flags In” tradition started in 1948.
Image: “Old Guard” soldier and son place flags in Arlington Cemetery during “Flags in”, Memorial Day 2008. Source: Arlington Cemetery FlickR
Remembering—and understanding—the war in Afghanistan
Many on this day take the time to reflect on the various military missions that resulted in the losses of brave service men and women, with our current war in Afghanistan offering the most recent opportunity for reflection.
A master at providing this analysis is Joseph J. Collins, author and professor at the National War College, who wrote the new book from the National Defense University called “Understanding War in Afghanistan” in order to provide military leaders, civil servants, diplomats, students and civilians the lessons in history of war and strife in that troubled nation.
Thoughtful questions, thought-provoking answers
Collins asks—and answers—a number of thought-provoking questions about the current war in Afghanistan:
- How did the United States and its allies get to where they are today?
- How can that coalition understand the many wars in Afghanistan over the past 33 years?
- How should it define its interests today?
- How can this coalition of nearly 50 nations help to bring this war to an end?
To answer these questions, Professor Collins provides both historical background and analysis to put it into context, finishing with a look towards possible next steps:
- Chapter 1- Afghan history and culture: Says Collins, “It is important to first examine the land, [the Afghan] people, and their culture.”
- Chapters 2 through 5- Prior wars: Next, Collins reviews the war-fraught Afghan history, the Soviet-Afghan War and the conflicts that followed it, including their Civil War, the rise of the Taliban, their role in 9/11, and the first war against the Taliban government.
- Chapter 6- Insurgency: This chapter helps us “understand the basic theory and concepts that underpin Afghan counterinsurgency in the 21st century”.
- Chapter 7 & 8- 2nd War against the Taliban, Rebuilding and the Surge: These chapters enable us to comprehend what happened during 2002-2010 as the coalition attempted to fight the Taliban while rebuilding this battle-weary land.
- Chapter 9: – Assessment and Options: Collins completes his book with a frank assessment of the “potential choices that national leaders face for the future” in Afghanistan.
Enduring lessons and legacy of Operation Enduring Freedom
Now in its twelfth year, the Afghanistan War is the longest war in U.S. history, surpassing even the Vietnam War. Operation Enduring Freedom, with over 1,892 fallen servicemen and women just from the United States and over 1,000 casualties from other nations who form part of the coalition, is in the minds of many this Memorial Day.
Following the mantra of Spanish born American philosopher and writer George Santayana who wrote “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it,” Understanding War in Afghanistan helps provide us the basis to learn the lessons of history in this particular conflict in order to inform our future course.
Dan Caldwell, Distinguished Professor at Pepperdine University, agrees, saying of Professor Collins’ book:
“This is the required text for ‘Afghanistan 101’—a primer that skillfully explains the realities of a complicated country and America’s longest war. It is written in a clear, informative way that is accessible to citizens, students, and civilian and military personnel who want or need to learn more about one of the most important issues of our time.”
What better way to remember those who have fallen in Afghanistan than to learn about the cause for which they sacrificed all?
How Do I Obtain Understanding War in Afghanistan?
- Buy it online 24/7 at GPO’s Online Bookstore.
- Buy it at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday-Friday, 9am to 4pm, except Federal holidays, (202) 512-0132.
- Find it in a library.
About the Author: Michele Bartram is Promotions Manager for GPO’s Publication and Information Sales Division and is responsible for online and offline marketing of the US Government Online Bookstore (Bookstore.gpo.gov) and promoting Federal government content to the public.