Adam:

Thanks for keeping the running tally/observance.

Although not newsworthy to many, it is of great significance to some.

I remember, through various leaves from Iraq, how, in 2007 through mid 2008, people back home were on the edge of their chair wanting to know "how is it going?"

By the end of 2008, the US public was out of that war, and had been overshadowed by domestic events.

I suspect the same will be increasingly true of Afghanistan. Departure has already been announced. "Are we still there?" "Why is this still significant?"

Several wise owls have argued, for example, that our military departure from Iraq underscores the need for a civilian follow-up. That argument, however, is not surviving on the Congressional floor.

Thanks for honoring those soldiers who did what was asked of them.