What do you guys do to commemorate soldiers you've lost? It's been 6 years since I lost one of my soldiers, and it's still rough.

I was a medic and I lost a few , one of them was my medic buddy. Now I do a lot of charity work, help other vets. All in memory of my fallen brothers n sisters.

I was in the Maiwand district in 2010-2011. I was in country for less than a week when I had to do my first CID and eventually it became like vantage point. Hearing everything bad from every point of view possible and then living through my own junk. Then a month before I was set to go home - one of my good friends husbands was killed. I definitely struggled then and stuggle now with "keeping the memory alive" and I was good for 2 years and recently had a melt down on "why not me" etc.... However, not bottling it up is huge. I never used to talk about what I felt because I didn't want to seem weak and because I'm a female and all the other stereo types, but I finally went and talked to someone. It isn't for everyone, but knowing good coping strategies that work for you- definitely help on the bad days. I participate in a Memorial Day "troops in the spotlight" in his honor and one of the most important things (for me) is keeping in touch with friends and family. I used to cut everyone off. Bottling it up sucks and hurts more in the long run. Sorry for the long winded, not so much of an answer, but you are not alone. We all cope differently, but you are very normal for the rollar coster of feelings, that much I know. Don't be afraid to live your life- I'm sure that's what any of our fallen would want.

I can tell you for me I always do something in honor of the guys I lost. I've started a scholarship as well as a non profit organization called war on the Homefront that assists homeless veterans. Suggest u just do something that reminds you of them in a positive light and the person that he was.