|
By U.S. Rep. Jean Schmidt
It could be easy for a soldier in combat to feel sorry for himself at Christmas.
He stands where he’s told, determined to fight until the enemy is vanquished – and praying to get out alive.
America knows this too well, starting with George Washington’s desperate attack on Christmas night in 1776 against Hessian troops in New Jersey. Despite winning that fight in the Revolutionary War, Washington’s Continental Army was still in trouble as soldiers struggled to survive – poorly clothed and underfed – through the following winter at Valley Forge.
America has rarely found itself in a war that failed to include at least one miserable Christmas away from home. The Civil War, two world wars, Korea, and Vietnam – all included homesick soldiers.
Many U.S. troops who had been deployed to Iraq were able to make it back to the States in time for Christmas. But many others remain in Afghanistan, still on guard against enemy attack.
And yet, we find ourselves at what may be the tail end of America’s longest war – the global war on terror – the first one launched to defeat a twisted belief instead of a foreign government.
The nature of warfare has changed. It takes just one guy with a head full of bad ideas and a belt full of dynamite to do a lot of damage to people who were simply unaware, unarmed, and unlucky.
The United States is fortunate to be protected by military professionals who have volunteered to wear the uniform of their country. They have been trained to do their duty with valor and humanity. They seek out and eliminate miscreants who target the innocent.
As we sit down with our families this Christmas, safe and secure, and bow our heads to give thanks for our feast and our families, we should include in our prayers a thought for those who defend us – and our values.
May the peace that appears to be within our reach be an enduring one.
And may God bless you and your family this holiday season.
###
Return to News Center
|
