Forget Politics...Remember the Fighters

(Photo courtesy of www.photojournalism.com)


I know, I know. I'm supposed to be writing my novel. But I'm taking a short hiatus from my hiatus because of the above picture. I received this picture from my "Big Boss" at work yesterday, reminding us that Veteran's Day is upon us.

This picture popped up in my e-mail and I immediately became teary eyed. The flag draped casket is certainly a stark reminder of the toll the war in Iraq has taken.

War isn't something to be proud of. I would much rather make peace than war. I don't agree with the current administration's decision to continue on. If you asked me straight out if I thought we needed to be there, I'd tell you yes...just not this long. Now we've overstayed our welcome and they need to come home.

But I have to always remember to separate those who DECIDE about war and the people who actually FIGHT the war. Regardless of how I feel about war, there are people out there fighting it for me and to protect me. And I can't hold that against them.

They're fighting not only for their lives, but the millions of lives in our country. Today's soldier isn't drafted into service -- they CHOOSE to be in the service. They put themselves in harm's way for the good of the cause.

Jounalist, I.F. Stone once wrote, "The essence of tragedy is not the doing of evil by evil men but the doing of evil by good men, out of weakness, indecision, sloth, inability to act in accordance with what they know to be right."

While he wrote that in reference to Nazi Germany's persecution of Jews...it lends credence to the choices and the life our frontline military deals with today. They have been put in harms way to battle a determined evil. The option to run is there, but many stay or repeat duty because they believe they're fighting the good fight.

And if they're willing to do that -- then I'm willing to back them up.

This Friday, please take the time to remember and thank military personnel, both past and present, for keeping the life we are accustomed to safe. Across the country, the call has been put out: Wear RED this Friday and take a moment to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

And to all military personnel: THANK YOU.