I'll just say that I'm not crazy about this Iraq thing. Afghanistan, yes, but...ok...not the time or place. I will say that I completely support every last US soldier, and everything they do. You guys are nothing short than the biggest heroes on the planet. I had the painstaking experience of seeing Ground Zero last month. Now it is alot different because they are now busy building the new Freedom Tower, which will be incredible when it is done. But we went to the church across the street, I believe is St. Peter's, founded in 1785, that has a cemetary from individuals that were born before this country was even a country. It is nothing short of amazing. You think of all the people who died in the fire when New York was a young city, and then all the sacrifices it saw during 9/11. (the body of Rev. Mychal Judge, a chaplain for the NY fire dept., was the first official casualty of 9/11).
Now I'm not an overly-emotional person. I don't personally know one single person who was linked to a death from 9/11. But there is something awful when you walk into a church steps from Ground Zero, candles lit, and all around you is notes to loved ones, kids, spouses with letters to their parents who were never coming home, asking them to come home soon, stories about volunteers who gave massages and hot meals around the clock to rescue workers who endangered their health to find no one. Ever lose a pet? Put up a flier asking if anyone had seen your pet, and if they did, where they could reach you? Try looking at hundreds of them in one place, but instead of pets, people who had many who loved them, but were never going to be found. I've never had a bigger lump in my throat. I had to stare at a random church pew for a minute, because if I had anyone talk to me, or look at me with the same look I'm sure I had, I'd have lost it. Thankfully, my wife was looking at a message board across the church. She would've messed me up the most.
I guess my point is, I hope that the reason our military is deployed is sincerely to prevent this atrocity from ever happening again. Anywhere. Americans have HUGE hearts, and I hope our troops, being involved with people who obviously don't like us, can still show that we aren't power-driven individuals who want to rule the world, but want freedom and serenity for all in their daily lives. I get an attitude with the Huskers and sports, but I'm the type of person that can get along with anyone. Respect me, and I'll respect you. There are so many good people on this planet. Even ones in locations that we think can't possibly be good people. I don't always agree with my government, why would someone in Iraq, Iran, Syria, etc. be any different. Difference is, I have a choice to speak my opinions. My equal in another country could be shot, beheaded, etc. for what they think.
Not only are you the best, you have the opportunity to be great representation to individuals who have never seen the level of compassion that the USA is willing to offer.
God bless our troops, God bless the USA, and God bless the people of the world. :thumbs
