In 1976, Howard Zinn wrote “Whom Will We Honor Memorial Day?” in a column for the Boston Globe.

He wrote:

Memorial Day will be celebrated … by the usual betrayal of the dead, by the hypocritical patriotism of the politicians and contractors preparing for more wars, more graves to receive more flowers on future Memorial Days. The memory of the dead deserves a different dedication. To peace, to defiance of governments.

Memorial Day was first celebrated as “Decoration Day” in the aftermath of the Civil War, but like many American institutions (for example, The NFL), it has become a celebration of militarism, patriotism and—by extension—endless war.

There is a long tradition of resistance to war and militarism in the U.S., and active-duty soldiers and veterans have always played a central role.

This month, we’re offering 70% OFF our reading list on the tremendous violence carried out by the American Empire, and the role of soldiers and veterans in organizing to resist war.

Each book comes with a free ebook (where available), and we offer free shipping inside the US on orders over $25.