"Soldiers don't die. They just go to Heaven to regroup."
I am not sure where the saying comes from. This may be something that helps fellow soldiers and the loved ones cope with the loss that will forever leave a void.
Today is the day of memory of the fallen warriors in the US. For some reason, it being late Spring, a tradition has developed to celebrate this day be grilling meat and drinking. I have never really participated - not that I begrudge others who do celebrate this way. And perhaps soldiers, on some level, put their lives on the line so that those back home can enjoy life.
On some level, every day should be a memorial day. Just to remind us of those who ended up parting with the possession that encompasses all others - namely, their lives. So the more we as a society think of those who died in wars prior, the more seriously we will take a decision to go to war.
But we still have aggression and psychopathy out in the world, and, sadly, it is a kind of threat that can only be stopped with force. And so long as that is part of out reality from time to time somebody may still have to put their life on the line. Such, I guess, is human condition.