To study and write about history and politics correctly, the victims must be the focus of attention. I think here of Howard Zinn's classic book, A People's History of the United States. This is part of what makes that book essential reading.
US foreign policy over the post-1945 period has been quite brutal. And though the various wars and conflicts have commonly involved the mistreatment of smaller, weaker countries, the people of the US armed forces have also been mistreated. Washington owes much to its veterans, including, in many cases, an apology.
Historian Juan Cole put together a solid list of things to do and/or think about on this Veterans Day:
http://www.juancole.com/2013/11/really-honor-veterans.html
