This Memorial Day was an unintended reminder of how Americans have been ambivalent or even indifferent to how past wars have been recognized and treated, well after each has concluded.

Despite the presumption of right always being on America’s side in going to war, the record does not support that conclusion, especially in the period since 1945.

The Civil War was a disaster for all. Fortunately, the Union persevered.

The Spanish-American War of 1898 was manufactured, in large part, by “yellow journalists.” The U.S. entered World War I late and remained divided over who the enemy was. And that war meant to end all wars tragically led to a second global conflict.

The U.S. and its allies won the greatest conflicts of the 20th century: World War II and the Cold War. But in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, the results were not good. In lesser conflicts, from Grenada to Beirut to the Balkans, the U.S. has not fared so well. The uneven record may explain why the U.S. has also been uneven in designating holidays and creating memorials over wars.

Last weekend marked the three-day celebration of Memorial Day, a holiday to recognize and pay tribute........

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