Springtime brings with it a plethora of weddings. We had nearly a dozen couples getting married this summer and tonight was my first of the season. At the reception, I had the privilege to sit with the bride’s brother who is presently serving in the Marines. David is a sergeant and stationed in VA. He has served two tours of duty in Iraq. Once in Fallujah and the other on the Syrian border. The border duty was interesting in that Syria was funneling weapons and supplies for insurgence terroristic efforts. His battalion was in charge of going house to house – some 440 homes – and making sure every home was clear and there were no weapons or cache of ammo being stored. They cleared the town.
It was fascinating to ask questions and finally listen to someone who could speak with authority. A matter of fact, the best line of the night was – “when you hear the evening news report about the war, don’t believe a word you hear!” Here is the word of a hero:
1. We are making significant progress from when we began this war.
2. Changing the mindset or better infusing in the minds of the Iraqi people the value of democracy is a long process.
3. He is convinced that with time and resources we could transform the nation.
4. He does not believe the American people and especially the politicians have the will and the fortitude to stay the course and finish the job!
Probably the most disheartening fact is that the Iraqi people don’t have a discernment to know the difference of living in a civil, democratic society and living under a tyrant. They are loyal to their muslim faith and not patriotic to their nation’s survival. They see the Americans as people who can provide work and give them money, but when that runs out or they feel that we are expecting them to be responsible – they will no longer care if we are there or not. What a shame.
All I know is that my family got to eat dinner with a hero. A true blue, all-American, patriotic hero! Someone who was willing to put on a uniform and stand for freedom and democracy and give an oppressed people the opportunity to breathe freedom and potential for the future. If they don’t seize the moment, that will be their loss. However, we did what God would call any of us to do – demonstrate compassion, fight for justice and help set captives free! On this Memorial Day weekend, remember and honor all those who served our nation and have given their lives so that we can live in liberty and pursue a future of our choice. God bless America and God bless all the heroes – like the one at the wedding – for serving and protecting this nation!