Oh, I love this idea:

WASHINGTON — A group designed to assist and recognize wounded troops wants May 1 set aside as a holiday to remember those injured servicemembers’ sacrifices.

The Silver Star Families of America has already successfully lobbied 31 states to observe “Silver Star Day” in honor of the wounded fighters, and hopes to get that number into the mid-40s by the end of April.

Work has already begun to get federal recognition by May 1, 2008. “This is a day we want people to stop for a minute, say a prayer, and remember them,” said Steve Newton, a retired Marine and naval reservist who served in the first Gulf War.

Good heavens yes, let’s do this. It’s a great idea. It’s about time we recognize the sacrifice nationally. May 1st may not be the best choice of dates, given that it’s a day historically and symbolically dedicated to the efforts of the oppressed trying to overthrow their oligarchs. (Workers of the world, etc) But I’d be on board with anything that would highlight the efforts of troops wounded, maimed, dismembered and disabled in Mr Bu$h’s ego-war.

Note to Mr Bu$h: while this is a sensible idea, and well received, the political advantages of yet another cheap publicity stunt for you may rebound to your disadvantage as people slowly realize just how many thousands of their fellow citizens have been disfigured in your little thing in Iraq.

The group, founded two years ago, gets its name not from the Silver Star medal for heroism but the World War I tradition of sewing over the Blue Star banner with silver thread when a soldier was injured. Similarly, relatives of troops killed while serving are known as Gold Star families.

While the Purple Heart recognizes troops who are injured in combat, Newton said his group works to recognize any servicemember injured while serving in the military.

“I spoke to one mother in a VA hospital whose son was injured in Iraq when a Humvee slipped while he was changing a tire,” he said. “She told me how everyone came by when he first got there, but as time went on the numbers went down and people forgot him.

“We want to make sure what they have done is never forgotten.”

Absolutely, Mr Newton. I want to remember each and every one of them.