A Victory TuneOn April 1, Pres. Bush addressed the nation from the deck of the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln. The speech did not declare a devastating victory or brag of our power. The President thanked and praised the work of our military and reiterated his pledge to continue the war on those that threaten us. He also repeated his view spoken in the wake of Sept. 11th; you are either with us or against us. This attitude has slowed many of the countries that may otherwise have chosen to take some type of terrorist action against us. The speech was to the nation, but mostly for the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines that had given to their country. As much as some believe this was a reelection speech, most people could see the honesty and appreciation Bush felt for those he sent into harm’s way.Our military has proven itself in many ways in the last several weeks. Not only do we have a force capable of protecting us from those that wish to do us harm, but we also have military units that go into battle with a certain amount of compassion for the enemy and civilians. Several of our casualties in the initial week were attributed to a fake surrender ambush and the protection of civilians. Although these two attributes seem impossible to mix, our service men and women have done just that.The members of our all volunteer military have given crucial months of their lives to liberate an oppressed people and ensure the protection of all of us. How many children have been born while their fathers have been at war? This experience can never be replaced for these families, but yet they love and support each other. Then there was the Marine Major whose infant son needed a heart transplant. He was offered a desk job to keep himself from being deployed but still went, with the blessing of his wife. They both knew that his Marines would be placed in danger if a command officer had to be replaced. At last report his child had received the transplant and was recovering.Bringing our military members home will be a slow process that will take many months, but the homecomings will be great for the families and the nation. I find it very satisfying that the anti-war movement has run out of steam so that these brave souls can return home to the hero’s welcome that they deserve. When they return you should thank them, no matter where they served or what their part in the victory entailed.As Memorial Day approaches, we should all make a conscience effort to remember those who have been lost since the War on Terror began. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and other unknown areas of the world we have lost sons and daughters, parents, siblings, and friends. They can never be replaced and must never be forgotten. Just a short prayer of remembrance on a holiday, may they rest in peace for what they have done for us.Curtis Hendel,Adrian
