By host Tom Ashbrook:

The slap-on yellow ribbons of war support are fading now. Not quite as many on bumpers on the road. The country’s tuned in to “Lost” and “Idol” and “Desperate Housewives.”

But in Iraq and Afghanistan, the fighting and dying go on in dusty alleyways and high mountain passes far from home and, these days, often far from cameras. But the soldiers see it. Every day.

By executive order, America does not see the flag-draped coffins coming home. But soldiers see their buddies die, and pray for them, and sing Amazing Grace over empty boots in the desert, and remember them.

As Memorial Day approaches, we talk with soldiers about soldiers who have died.

Guests:

Sgt Maj Mike Lopez (Ret.), Artilleryman. served 28 years in the Army did one tour in Afghanistan, and two tours in Iraq (Both with the 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Artillery, 10th Mountain Division)

Sgt Robert Brainerd, helicopter mechanic, Served in Afghanistan and Iraq

Spc Ernesto Haibi, Army medic in the 23rd infantry battalion, served in Iraq, and writes the blog “Candle in the Dark.”