And Republicans push back as potential Iran deal details emerge |

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Monday, May. 25, 2026

 

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The Pentagon can honor our military dead this Memorial Day by committing to fight the right way

By Lt. Col. Rachel E. VanLandingham (ret.)

The Pentagon can honor our military dead this Memorial Day by committing to fight the right way

By Lt. Col. Rachel E. VanLandingham (ret.)

On this Memorial Day, we should take stock that the U.S. military remains one of the most respected public institutions in America. And for good reason. Our military has strived mightily since its Vietnam War nadir to foster professionalism grounded on honor and implemented programs to help ensure that the American way of fighting comports with the law of war and American values to the greatest extent possible.

The Pentagon should honor service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day by recommitting to the American way of fighting. It should pay tribute to the fallen by reinforcing moral integrity for those currently serving.

One tangible way our military and civilian leaders can do this is by firmly and quickly owning the mistakes that have killed or injured civilians in our war in Iran. Prompt and transparent investigations should lead to lessons in how to avoid future tragedies and assure those in uniform, the American public and our country’s allies that our military operations comport with U.S. values and the law. This is not a hypothetical plea.

This is a preview of a column by  Lt. Col. Rachel E. VanLandingham (ret.). Read the full column here.

 
 

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ALLISON DETZEL

Charlie Sykes slams Trump’s arch as a monument to his ‘massive ego’

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Rep. Thomas Massie

JENNEY BITNER

Cancer nearly left my kids without a mom. Funding cuts may halt the science that saved me.

The Trump administration proposes cutting $6 billion from the National Institutes of Health. Philanthropy cannot replicate the scale of government-backed research. Read more.

 
 

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