Save a seat and pour one out for the thirteen military members who lost their lives in Afghanistan

Anger, sadness, confusion, heartbreak. It has been a whirlwind of emotions with the recent turmoil that has taken place domestically and abroad. This past afternoon, the last US Soldier left Afghanistan, but thirteen others did not have that ability. A few days prior, in Kabul (the major city where these horrific Taliban events have occurred), a bomb was set off killing hundreds of individuals including thirteen US service members.

•Lance Cpl. David Espinoza

•Sgt. Nicole Gee

•Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover

•Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss

•Cpl. Hunter Lopez

•Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum

•Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola

•Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui

•Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page

•Sgt. Johanny Rosario

•Cpl. Humberto Sanchez

•Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz

•Navy Hospital Corpsman Max Soviak

My heart goes out to the families impacted and to all the lives lost over in Afghanistan as well. It is truly terrible what has occurred. They will not be able to come home for the holidays. Witness family milestones. Relax and be comfortable. Have a meal and a beer with friends. Many Rhode Island restaurants, as well as establishments across the US, made sure that those soldiers had a hero's welcome when they returned from tour, and that their names would not be forgotten.

This small gesture is still something quite powerful, and I tip my cap to Ed Brady of Thirsty Beaver and all business owners across the country doing the same. I urge the major networks and sports franchises to make similar memorials for our American heroes. The divide in this country is disgusting, and this shouldn't be a time to point fingers and blame each other. It should be a moment to come together and mourn the loss of these men and women.

Land of the free, and the home of the brave.