Heroes and Victory

The National Geographic Channel is re-running their comprehensive documentary "Inside 9/11." Some may have forgotten what that awful day was like. We may not remember the full scope of the atrocities, nor the heroism of the police and firefighters in New York and Washington, or on that plane over Pennsylvania. So much sacrifice offered by those who willingly went up into the eye of evil and gave their last full measure of devotion to save others.

In the days and weeks after that horrific event, our news media brought us the stories of the fallen heroes, the details of their final moments and a celebration of their lives and those whom they helped to save.

As a people, we knew who perpetrated the acts of evil against us, and we were clear in our resolve to bring them to justice. We stood as one and we acted together.

We sent more heroes into harm's way first in Afghanistan, then in Iraq. But after a while the voices praising their dedication and bravery were overwhelmed by those expressing doubt and uncertainty. What was once a nation behind a unity of purpose has become fractured by political and media elites with an agenda that accepts defeat.

Some even question whether our military, and by extension our political leadership is "broken, worn out" as Congressman Jack Murtha recently suggested. It is a message that dishonors the heroes of September 11th and all those who have sacrificed so much to keep us safer since that day.

What hope do we have to continue as a free nation if after so relatively few casualties, the fewest of any major military conflict, we cut and run?

Scant weeks before the Nazi blitz of London began, Prime Minister Winston Churchill spoke these immortal words:

"Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duty and so bear ourselves that if the British Commonwealth and Empire last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was our finest hour.'"

The trial by fire for Britain had only just begun when he spoke those words. Can those of us living today, who may face worse trials in the years ahead, now abandon the spirit of heroism and victory that have sustained our people for centuries?

No force of evil can keep us from the VICTORY that will make this world a better place for all. The power to achieve or fail in that goal is in our hands.

Today, we are winning the war against terror. In 2006 we must win another political battle against the fools who would snatch defeat from the jaws of VICTORY!

Update: Thank you Tim, whose comments are here, was kind enough to share the homepage of his group 9/11 Families for a Safe & Strong America. His own families story is here.

Also, Mudville Gazette had this post about the lamestream media which will be further explored in my next post: "Does The Media Want the U.S. to Win?"

And for those who wish to add the following graphic to your site, the code is here.