RML, the issue at hand isn't money, but a lack of respect for those who truly sacrifice for others. I intentionally speak of those who sacrifice because there are certainly many out of uniform who should be included, and some in uniform who should not when we talk about respecting heroes. Real respect for any who puts others first comes through our own voluntary sacrifice for other people. This does not include forgoing a larger plasma TV, or eating out fewer times each month because you pay taxes. Taxes are compulsory, so while they do help other people through various government programs, paying taxes also keeps you out of jail. Often I think that's the real reason many Americans pay their taxes.

Americans can pay respect for those who serve in many different ways, but the one I want to see the most from Americans is active participation in our government, particularly at the local levels. As Osprey points out, and correctly in my opinion, Americans are disconnected from the military which serves to protect the Constitutional government that Americans mostly ignore.

I don't want yellow ribbons on cars. I don't want VA halls. I could care less about statues. I want Americans to take responsibility and make America a better, stronger, fairer country.