Soldiers change world again

The Oregonian ^ | 12/17/03 | LIZ PEARSON

[new cruelty]

Sept. 11 changed the world. As a Gulf War veteran, I again felt that wartime anxiety I experienced while watching Scud missiles explode overhead.

But this time, I was in my home with my child. This time it was all of America, not just the volunteer soldiers, that had to stand tall, breathe deeply and calm itself to wait to see what would happen.

My experience as a soldier left me with a keen understanding of the frailty and preciousness of life. I found myself purchasing the most terrifying thing I've ever seen -- a child-sized gas mask for my son.

Now Saddam Hussein has been captured. The sons and daughters of America serving in our armed forces, many of whom rushed to join after 9/11, have changed the world again. So many young soldiers have sacrificed their lives and limbs. Too many more will do the same.

But it is not in vain. They are keeping the war front away from their homeland.

More of us are traveling without worrying about our safety. More of us are smiling in the grocery line. More of us are figuring out uses for stockpiled duct tape. My gas masks have a thick coat of dust on them.

These aren't little things. These are things that we should be profoundly grateful for. To the soldiers who do their duty with honor for their country, and to their commander-in-chief, I say thank you.

[xzins]

Please go to the following website for the "Never Forget" presentation.....the most poignant reminder of 9/11 I've ever seen.

Send to your friends and neighbors; bookmark for future reference

Click for: American Patriots will "NEVER FORGET"

[new cruelty]

Thanks for the link!

[xzins]

This is the link in the clear for those who wish to copy it and email it all around.

Never Forget!

http://members.cox.net/classicweb/email.htm

[xzins]

Ping to article and then to #2, "Never Forget" link.

If you've not seen it, then you should.

If you've not emailed it to your entire list, then you should.

[new cruelty]

Thanks again. That was overwhelming.

It reminds me of when television broadcast days ended with an audio/visual tribute to the United States of America. When I was a kid I used to stay up late just to watch the stations sign off. It is ingrained in my mind.

Just imagine getting several websites and other media to simulcast this presentation (or something like it).

[xzins]

A friend sent it to me earlier this week and asked me to spread it around. I don't know who produced it.

But it was a "wet eye" moment for me.

Never Forget.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the link!

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP

[Blueflag]

thanks for the ping.

bttt

[Travis McGee]

Amen!!!

[Poohbah]

Bravo Zulu (that's Navy/Marine Corps for "Well Done") to the 4th United States Infantry Division (Mechanized).

Y'all ran an evil SOB to ground and captured him, and the world is a better place for your having done so.

Whiskey for the men, and beer for the horses!

[Travis McGee]

Yep, G.I. Joe still stands tall!

[McGavin999]

Very well said. We owe these young warriors a debt we can never repay.

[ntnychik]

Never forget ping. See #2 and pass it on.

[neverdem]

Thanks for the Ping

My mind isn't working too well now. Adios

[neverdem]

Airborne

If you would be so kind, please pass it on.

[potlatch]

Good post new cruelty.
xzins, your video link, post #2, is wonderful.