Published: July 04, 2009 08:54 pm      

A celebration worth its price

The Fourth of July came and went this year and for many people it was a fine holiday. A beautiful day made all kinds of outdoor activities most folks were quick to take advantage.

Good for them.

But we hope that most also took a few minutes to ponder the meaning of the day and also to think about our brave warriors overseas in war zones.

Only three days ago the U.S. Marines launched a major offensive into southern Afghanistan, seeking to drive the Taliban from its strongholds. Fighting continues in other parts of that country as well, as it does in Iraq.

U.S. service men and women are also on alert in South Korea, where the bellicose activities to the north of them keep that region in a state of nervous anxiety.

On July 4 we celebrate our nation’s political declaration of freedom. But, as you know, that freedom was not won by the point of a pen. It was taken by force, and at the cost of thousands of lives.

We hope one day soon the people of Afghanistan, Iraq and even North Korea will have cause to celebrate their country’s independence day. Despite our military efforts, we cannot deliver this freedom to them, they’ll have to make their own sacrifices to earn it. We can only help.

Let us not forget the price being paid by our warriors and let us all join together in wishing them a speedy return to our shores so that soon we can celebrate the Fourth of July together.



The Daily Citizen