If you are anything like me, you have been reading the paper and watching the activities of the United States in the Middle East, and in particular the war on Iraq.

For my generation, those of us who served on active duty during the Vietnam war, the wrath of our citizens and their displeasure in the war were directed at us and the President of the United States as the Commander in Chief. It was not focused on our elected leaders. I am struck today by the support for our troops and how respectful our citizens are of them, even though there is dissent about the President’s action to use military force against Iraq. I wish it had been that way for my generation, but I am thrilled that it is this way for yours. This is the way that it should be. The men and women in uniform are honorable and patriotic. They believe in our democracy and in the decision making processes established in the Constitution and in the Bill of Rights. It is only appropriate that our citizens recognize the sacrifices necessary to defend their freedom to speak out against our government. I pray that this attitude will continue and that when our troops return home victorious, we will recognize their sacrifices and their willingness to serve us.

At the time of this writing we have had three more students activated. By our rough count we may have as many as 33 additional students eligible for activation. I am hopeful that not many more students will be called to serve, but that remains to be seen. I would suspect that if terrorist attacks occur against the United States there will be a higher probability that our remaining Guardsmen, in particular, will be activated. No matter what the situation, however, remember that this is all about why Norwich exists, to provide for the country the trained and educated men and women it might need to defend us and to build our nation. That is what our mission is about and that is what you as our students are all about.

May God bless us every day as we carry out our responsibilities, may He guard those that are protecting us, and that He will preserve this Republic.