Editor:
I have often wondered about believing in something enough that I would be willing to give my life for that cause. What would make me do that, and how would I be remembered for my service?
Many have given their lives in defense of this nation and sometimes in the defense of other people. Many may yet be called upon for reasons that I do not fully understand.
Life is a very precious thing, and the loss is to be mourned on any level, regardless of the reason. As politically and religiously divided as we sometimes are, I think we can all agree on that.
I don’t fully understand the reason for this most recent conflict in Iraq, and I don’t pretend to. I will wait and see the outcome before I decide.
History favors the winner. Textbooks speak of brave men and women who put in their effort for World War II-had they not, we may all be speaking German right now.
To give your life for a greater cause, to give everything that has been given to you, is a noble and a great thing. Often we get caught up in trying to use these people, these numbers and statistics, to state a point of view.
In this time, when we honor those of our people that died for us to remain free, let us not forget that more than 2,000 people will not be coming home because they believed in supporting America.
My grandfather fought in World War II, and I honor and respect him for that.
My father knew men that died in Vietnam, and can find names on the wall in Washington, D.C. It is a terrible thing, war.
It is an awful thing, but I am glad that there are those willing to stand.
Let us forget our political positions and realize that people are involved-not just ideology.
Tristan Bennett
Freshman, Pre-Medicine