Soldiers deserve respect for their bravery and sacrifice
War means sacrifice. It always has. The men and women who fight for our freedom leave their families and their homes to travel to foreign soil and lay their lives on the line for all of us who stay behind.
They endure lonely days and nights far away from their loved ones. They endure the almost constant threat of attack when stationed in a battle zone. They endure many things those of us who stay here at home can’t imagine unless we have lived it.
Some might say that’s their job, and that’s true. But those who know these brave souls personally will tell you it means much more than that to them. It means doing whatever it takes to defend our way of life. It means taking democracy to those who have lived their lives under the thumbs of tyrants. It means making sure our nation remains safe from the threat of terrorism and military attack.
This week, the soldiers of the 278th will be home before traveling to the Middle East and then on to Iraq. As Warren County citizens, we have a wonderful chance to let them know personally what we think of their bravery and sacrifice. It’s a chance to let them know how grateful we are. A chance to let them know we will be praying for them every day. A chance to let them know we will be thinking about them and wishing them well. A chance to let them know we will be doing everything we can as a community to look out for the families and loved ones they leave behind.
So if you see one of the soldiers with the 278th this week, shake his hand and extend your thanks. We owe this, and so much more, to these brave men who are willing to pay the price of freedom, our freedom.