It rained candy all morning at the parade. Two happy girls braved the heat and watched their buddy march with her tae kuon do club. Their enthusiasm and frantic waving to the candy throwers helped add a bit of levity to what I think is a somber and reverent holiday. And although I don't always agree with America's foreign (and domestic) policies, I have to admire the staggering bravery of the men and women who choose to enlist. They rarely get the respect they so deserve. It's a dirty, dirty, complicated job maintaining our standing in the world. The older I get, the more thorny it seems. I reap the rewards on the sidelines and wonder if there isn't a way that involves a little less sacrifrice for all involved. I wish I had an answer. I used to think I did. The big picture is way beyond me.