A War Worth Fighting

To the Editor:

September 11, 2001 tragedy hits this great land. Our country is now faced with the tough job of rescue and recovery of victims. As the dust begins to settle, and our nation tries its best to get back to “business as usual,” we must face the inevitable – WAR!

The reality we face – further attacks on our soil, loss of life, compromise of the freedoms that we love and often take for granted. Many of us may ask ourselves is retaliation worth it if it means loss of innocent life? Is war worth it if attacks happen on US soil? Is this worth it if we are faced with possibly shooting down our own commercial jets that may be used as missiles by terrorist? Can this national handle military soldiers coming home in body bags?

Many people feel violence begets violence. A peaceful resolution is the way to solve conflicts. Many times this is the answer; unfortunately there are situations that cannot be solved peacefully. Our nation is faced with such a situation. The beast of terrorism is much too large and evil to reason with peacefully.

Generations before us were faced with many of the same questions and moral conflicts. These men and women faced tough times of war. They received news of lost loved ones and innocent civilians. Battles were fought to defend the precious gifts of freedom and peace. These generations were willing to risk their lives so future generations could have these gifts.

Terrorists have threatened the values that were fought for in WWII and others. Unfortunately these values must be defended again. We must fight the battles and lose the lives to ensure our children and grandchildren can enjoy the same freedoms that we have grown accustomed to. My family fears the loss of a loved one in battle, however fighting this war is too important. The freedom and peace of the USA and the world is at risk. I’m not willing to go down without a fight. We cannot afford to let down past and future generations by living in fear and not defending our freedoms. The battles that were fought and won will be meaningless if our nation does not fight back against terrorism.

As sung in the song “God Bless The USA” by Lee Greenwood, “I am proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died and gave that right to me.” Be proud to be an American, support the fight for freedom and peace.

This article is dedicated to my brother-in-law, a Navy SEAL, and all the firefighters, policemen, doctors and military personal and other countries that have and will risk their lives to protect our country and its freedom. Thank you and God Bless!

Heidi Brisson

5 Hemlock Road                        September 19, 2001