I've been re-watching HBO's Band of Brothers for probably the fifth or sixth time and watching it fills me with sadness out of what as a country we have lost and will most likely never get back again. 

I also read Stephen Ambrose's source material book of the same name, too. 

In watching the series, I especially enjoy the real-life soldiers in the intros speaking about that experience and it just leaves me in awe of how Americans used to be when it came to duty, honor, and country, and how the most significant part of that collective is gone. 

I mean, if you look back on that time frame, there was probably never a larger percentage of selfless Americans than then.  I mean, imagine today what it would take for larger numbers of Americans to line up outside of a military recruiter's office to sign up for war.  Yes, I know that will not happen due to the Selective Service and all-volunteer military, but still, I do not think there is anything that could occur in our country that could compel such patriotism.

Watching it also makes me ponder what has gone wrong with this country to allow us to arrive at where we are now.  It is just so shameful and disappointing. 

I guess in the long run, what has led us here is our deep worship for the true meaningless while avoiding the pursuit of the truly meaningful.  Just so goddamned sad.