The valor of the American soldier is reflected brightly in the meritorious deeds of our young men and women serving their country. Who among you stands up against the bullets of tyranny and steps across foreign fields of oppression to open windows of freedom and opportunity for Third World citizens? Soldiers, airmen and sailors answer the call of duty without hesitation. Brave beyond words, possessing selfless dedication to wear the uniform with pride. Our nation can sleep ever so serenely at night knowing that America is safeguarded by the best.

With that said, I still am not a huge advocate for war. I think the need for conflict clearly attests to shortcomings of our civilization. To make war, with all its implications, whether it’s economical or moral, is puzzling. I’m not so sure that our foreign policy should be eager to drop the symbolic pen of diplomacy and go on the warpath with an M-16 rifle. Rarely is there a just, rational reason to use force, maybe to directly uphold national security or to prevent genocide on foreign soil. It is always a sad occasion when peace talks fail and the need to pull the trigger arises. It is with many prayers and tears that our young troops are sent into harm’s way.

It is true that war produces casualties and does not discriminate among its victims. All too often, lives of the good and innocent are claimed. Sometimes, our fearless soldiers are cut down before their time by the harsh violence of insurgency. Many of the grieving families begin to wonder and question. However, for those who were lost and to the enemies of freedom: Know that no amount of bullets can abbreviate the legacy of the American soldier or the ideals those soldiers stand for.

Spc. Johnny HamptonCamp Casey, South Korea