Do we care enough about this war?

A reader wrote in response to "The War Widow" series that it’s been 41 years since she lost her boyfriend to the Vietnam War.

"The pain in the heart," she said, "never heals."

As I write this series about the war in Afghanistan, I find myself thinking back to Vietnam. We were all so vested in that war, love it or hate it. The threat of the draft worried many families with military-age boys, mine included.

Without a draft, the war in Afghanistan does not directly affect many of us. An all-volunteer military shoulders the burden -- and the grief. Elizabeth Woods said Brian sometimes became frustrated by what he perceived as a sense of apathy among most Americans.

"We would be watching dancing on TV, and he would get irritated at the male dancers," Elizabeth said. "He’d say, ‘That guy could be over there helping us right now. Instead he’s prancing around the stage.’ Brian was very cut and dry, more black and white than me."

Other times, they would be enjoying a movie and Brian would remind Elizabeth: "Just remember that a war is going on."

What do you think? Do we pay enough attention to our soldiers in Afghanistan? Is it fair that only a small percentage, the voluntary military, bears the burden?