sacrifice by some, for the good of all

This weekend I went home to my mom's and dug further into my family history. I don't know much about my mom's dad, other than he was deeply in love with my grandma and passed away before I was born. Calling him grandpa just seems strange, is that weird to feel that way?

I have letters he wrote to my grandma while they courted each other early in their relationship. Many of the letter are repetitious, he says he loves and misses her, talks about the work and training of the military and always asks about home. He made several friends while in the Army Air Force during WWII.

The political environment of the United States was focused on isolation. America did not want to get involved with the problems of the world. As we look back today, America really became the worlds protector as a result of WWII. We were called upon to help France and Britain. The entire map of Europe was in chaos. The might and will of the American servicemen and those at home building the great war machine launched the United States into the great World Power we are still known for.

America was called upon again to help in the Korean War. My mom's dad joined the 1st Marine Division and was shipped off to Korea. His time in WWII was spent as an airplane mechanic, this time however he would face a new enemy. Communist China entered the war as America ignored threats from the Chinese Government. The 1st Marine Division of roughly 8,000 men entered the Chosin Resivour. The Chinese military soon surrounded the Marines with an estimated 120,000 to 150,000 soldiers. The fighting was intense and the American forces soon began a retreat that my mom's dad said took 4 days to cover 50 miles. The convoy of trucks were ambushed several times along the way.

The weather was the worst in nearly 100 years along the Korean Peninsula. At times the temperature dropped to a -40 degrees. But the weather was not the only concern. they were running out of food. A lunch would be a can of soup, shared between 3 men. The Frozen Chosin lasted nearly two weeks. The retreat was successful and in the truest spirit of Pride for the American Forces, they proudly claimed that no injured or dead were left behind. Once in the safety of medical facilities and the USS Constellation, my mom's dad was treated for severe frostbite on his feet and malnourishment. He stayed in the hospital for over a month, anxious to get home.

His sacrifices along with many others are forgotten as we struggle to realize our place in the world. We can not forget the sacrifice so many have made in attempts to preserve the freedoms you and I enjoy today. Had we not entered WWII, Nazi Germany certainly would have continued it's march to world supremacy on other continents, not just Europe. If America didn't jump in the Korean War and suppress the spreading of Communism, how different would the world be that we know today?

Sometimes America is frowned upon for it's military actions across the world. What many don't realize is we are called on, we are asked for assistance. Sadly we sacrifice our own, for the safety and freedom of others. There are many heroic stories in our history, we are the protectors of the world. The sacrifice of our military people should not go thankless and forgotten. For without them, we surely wouldn't enjoy the current freedoms we enjoy here in America!

Dichotomy

by: Lia

As a whole Americans seem to be pro-war when it comes to fighting for freedom and that type of thing. After 9/11 when the Iraqi war began you would see people not only flying their American flags, but bumper stickers, t-shirts, and more with “Support the Troops” were everywhere.

The United States government has gotten us into a lot of wars with, and sometimes without, the support of the American people. With a government and a nation being pro-war and about the troops, why are veterans just disregarded?

Let’s get this straight, I’d be hard pressed to think of an instance that war and killing another human being was necessary or appropriate.

I am saying that regardless if you support war, the people fighting it are human beings that come back with great needs. If you do support the troops, then you should support them even after they have fought the war.

Why are there so many veterans (WWII, Vietnam, Iraq) out on the street, drug addicted, and/or with mental illnesses? If we were treating them with half the respect we gave them while they were fighting, perhaps this wouldn’t be the case.

I don’t support war, but I do support the people that have to fight them, even when the fighting has ceased.

Is America Lost? * needs links put back in *

by: Robert

I often wonder what it would have been like to grow up in America prior to World War II. Our country seems to have lost a lot of its swagger and national pride in the last few decades. To blame the fallout and social changes on the Vietnam War seems a little far-fetched. Was there a rush to volunteer for the Korean War? Not like our country witnessed in every other time of conflict in our nation's history.

I vividly remember watching the news as I got ready to go to work on September 11th. "Breaking News, a plane has crashed into the World Trade Center." I watched in disbelief, asking myself "How could this happen?" Then, another plane crashed, and my thoughts instantly went to Terrorism!

Did we as a nation come together as America did after Pearl Harbor? Possibly, but it didn't last long. Why? President Bush did what we all hope to do, he made a plan and stayed true to his beliefs. He never waffled in his stance and looked forward; always keeping the end clear in his mind (I will side with him on many issues, regardless of how unpopular they are). But somehow, he became the focus of the country's anger.

Our nation has lost sight of why America engaged in a war - two wars, for that matter. Many of us seem to have forgotten about the Twin Towers falling and the loss of so many innocent lives. We have forgotten that Osama Bin Laden has been a thorn in our side for many years, and that this was not his first attack on America.

Men and Women of our country have bravely paid the ultimate price and sacrificed their lives in the spirit of Freedom while the rest of us sit back and take it for granted. What will it take to unite our country? I hope we don't have to witness another attack on Pearl Harbor.