Societies Honoring KIA
Many societies venerate those killed in action. They set aside days of remembrance for their militaries and combat dead, and they build memorials and cenotaphs in honor of their fallen. The families of those who die in combat, especially their next-of-kin, sometimes receive preferential treatment, such as military honors, exemption from taxes, and financial awards. National militaries also distinguish those killed in action with ceremonies and awards. They also build walls and memorials to honor those who died. Other awards are posthumously given, such as Purple Hearts, promotions, and other such medals.
The city of Irvine, CA erected the first and only American memorial for ongoing wars. This was dedicated in 2010 and was more than half filled (capacity: 8000 names) at dedication. See Irvine Long War Memorial. It will be updated annually as more deaths occur.
Read more about this topic: Killed In Action
Famous quotes containing the word societies:
“As societies grow decadent, the language grows decadent, too. Words are used to disguise, not to illuminate, action: you liberate a city by destroying it. Words are to confuse, so that at election time people will solemnly vote against their own interests.”
—Gore Vidal (b. 1925)