Thursday, April 10, 2008
At 21, I recently found myself getting a moral lesson from an unlikely source: a corny after school TV show. Throughout the scattered messages regarding family values, one statement in particular got me thinking, “There’s a high price for freedom and very little gratitude for the sacrifice made.” Amidst the chaos that is my life, I find myself either purposely evading or innocently forgetting the fact that we are at war. If it wasn’t for the daily news coverage regarding “our progress”, I would feel like my only connection to the war throughout these past five years would be the fluctuating gas prices.
The statement reminded me that I do have a connection to the war and that it runs deeper than gas prices and newspapers. With the war occurring away from our home, it can be easy to separate ourselves from the political turmoil that is enveloping the rest of the world. The widely felt and expressed patriotism following 9/11, has slightly diminished over the course of the war.
150,000 Iraqis have perished in the war and although the U.S. death toll is lower by comparison, at 4,000, it does not reduce the stain that is placed on the hearts of family members and friends. Not only for those who have fallen, but for those who are at risk.
And in contrast to my feeling separated, some students may feel the reality of war is a little closer to home having close family members and friends who are currently serving tours. Topeka Junior Mallory Padilla added , “I never thought that a war would affect me or my family directly. When the United States declared war against Iraq my older brother decided to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in May of 2007 and less than a year later he is at war. It is hard going through each day knowing my brother is in a war zone. I respect him for risking his life for our county, our freedom, and other country’s freedom. All I can do is pray that he comes home safe after his 15 month tour. The war in Iraq is now a reality to my family and me.”
In lieu of the toll reaching 4,000, USA Today and The New York Times, on March 25, published letters from six fallen soldiers. In addition to the letters, both publications featured photos of the most recently deceased 1,000 soldiers. Putting faces with the names also reiterated the reality of the conflict.
Reading the actual words and being able to grasp the sentiment that comes across is enlightening. It reminds me of the selfless service that they provide. Plus it reminds me that, although I don’t have close family members or friends who are currently deployed, there are countless students and families who are thinking about the service there loved ones are serving every day.
McNaughton is a Topeka junior in journalism.
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