Survivors are the true Cost of War

Why do we only understand the reasons for war, but not the total cost of war? Our thoughts are usually focused on the lives, the money, the resources costs of being in the war. Once in a while a single event will distract and the aftermath cost of the war grabs attention. Care of the veterans. Wars create veterans. If we are engaged in war the survivors will be veterans. I want to make sure it is clear what I am saying. Veterans are our love ones who survived.