Remember: Freedom Gained by Sacrifice
I have watched with interest in past weeks Statesman articles concerning the affairs of the nation and editorials concerning 9/11 and the Bush administration. I appreciate the dissenting opinions offered in response to the prominent issues before us, such as those offered by Tom Pease and Suzanne Poindexter on September 18. I concur with Mr. Pease when he asks, “Can’t we think of some other option?” prompting us to exhaust all alternative resources before committing to international conflict; and I nod in agreement with Ms. Poindexter when she challenges us to “look for the positive … and move on with our lives.” However, the memorials they suggest we do or do not remember (the sacrifice of past soldiers and the events of 9/11), encourage a deeper look at ourselves as individuals and as a nation.Historically, Americans have so treasured freedom as to pay the necessary price to preserve it for all people. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War to the War on Terrorism, freedom-loving patriots have given, as Abraham Lincoln said, “the last full measure of devotion” in its defense. And though the unfortunate deaths of soldiers at war and the tragic murders of unknowing civilians by terrorists cannot truly be classified in the same subcategory of sacrifice, their lives and losses remind us of the broader classification of “Freedom”-freedom to live, freedom to choose, freedom to be. Hence, to remember one and not the other is to offend the principle so beloved by the American people. In saying so, it is not always necessary or prudent to fight wars in freedom’s defense; such destruction as today’s weapons produce triggers wisdom in the when and how much. Yet, combat is taking place daily during which the opportunity is present to remember the price freedom has exacted from our nation, our communities, our families and our own lives. Let us neither cower away from these battles nor fight just for the sake of fighting; but let us “Remember” and do as Shakespeare’s Hamlet quipped: “Take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing end them.”
Tyler Chadwick435-757-2933