"War is wretched beyond description, and only a fool or a fraud could sentimentalize its cruel reality"

This quote by John McCain speaks to the harsh reality of war and the absurdity of romanticizing it. War is a disastrous experience that can not be effectively explained in words. It is a vicious and harmful force that takes away lives, destroys families, and leaves behind a path of damage. It is not something to be ignored or sentimentalized. McCain is cautioning against the propensity to glorify war and its effects, as it is a tragedy that ought to be kept in mind and appreciated for its disastrous effects. War needs to not be viewed as a brave or romantic venture, but rather as a needed evil that should be prevented whenever possible. McCain's words serve as a suggestion of the real expense of war and the importance of comprehending its truth.