Since far fewer people are recruited to serve in a voluntary military, the connection between America and its military is increasingly tenuous and less personal.

One only has to look at the performance of the economy to understand how it shapes the perspective of America's youth about military service.

As long as we're dependent on those fossil fuels, we're dependent on the Middle East. If we are not victims, we're certainly captives.

As America celebrates Memorial Day, we pay tribute to those who have given their lives in our nation's wars.

We also very importantly recommend continued growth in the Army and the Marine Corps end strength.

For the freedoms our founding fathers not only dreamed about, but made into reality. It is that same pursuit of freedom today that is helping to make our world a safer place.

Last month, the Iraqi people went to the polls, voting in their first free election in more than 50 years.