In times of war, people sometimes forget that it is politicians, not soldiers, that are calling the shots. The politicians start the war, leaving it to the men and women of the armed forces to fight it. They do so, often with little or no personal involvement in the conflict. Today, there is only one member of Congress with a son fighting in the American war on terror. The politicians decide, leaving the fighting to someone else's son or daughter, brother or sister, mother or father.
Throughout the history of our nation, the people of America have been divided on the issue of whether to go to war. Even during the revolution against the British, there were those who thought that violence was not the answer. During these periods of division, the members of the armed forces have often found themselves the target of protesters' anger. Soldiers returning from recent conflicts have had to endure the indignity of being labeled "baby killers" and other derogatory names.
These soldiers, sailors, and airmen are the victims of a grave injustice at the hands of the people they have sworn to serve and defend with their lives. They never choose to leave their homes and fight a war. They were called by their country, and, obeying their sense of duty, they went.
The men and women who fight today in Iraq and Afghanistan are not the ones who decided whether the United States would go to war. They are not the ones calling the raids and planning the bombings. They are the ones leaving their families to defend the rights of this great nation and others.
Protesters need to understand that, though they may have the right to protest, they should respect those who go into harm's way to defend that right for them. If they are angry about the political actions of our nation, then they should direct their anger at the individuals responsible - the politicians, not the soldiers.
No matter the virtues or the political issues that take the men and women
of the United States armed forces from their homes and into conflict in
far off nations, the staff of The Norwich Guidon fully supports our troops.
No matter where they are or who they are fighting, we know they will serve
the interests and the people of this nation faithfully. May they all return
safely to the land they defend and find a grateful public waiting to welcome
them home.