In an ideal world, our sons and daughters would never be placed in harm’s way… but we’re not in that world; we’re in this one (CNN):
WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s citizen soldiers, already strained by long tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, could be tapped again under new plans being developed by the Pentagon.
National Guard combat brigades that have already served in Iraq may be called for a second tour, likely breaking the 24-month deployment limit initially set by the Pentagon, the Guard’s top general said.
[snip]
In a related move, the Pentagon is preparing to release a list of active units — and perhaps reserves as well — scheduled to go to Iraq that would largely maintain the current level of forces there over the next two years, another senior defense official said. There are about 152,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.
But the where and when don’t make the least bit of difference. This was never the ideal world, was it?
Honor them; their sacrifices and service to our country are correctly and inextricably linked to our national pride.
Whether they’re wearing a uniform today, or wore it in years past, they are our children, brothers, sisters, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and ancestors. You know them.
AC’s parents met at an American Legion post. Have you ever been inside one?
AC’s grandfather made frequent trips to the VA hospital on the other side of his state, and his social life revolved around the local VFW. Have you spent any time at either?
Whether you answered “never”, or “not in a very long time”, today would be an excellent day to drop by and pay your respects.
On Veterans Day, it’s the very least we, as Americans, can do.
