Why do we fight?

  • Published
  • By Col. Marshall Sabol
  • 321st Air Expeditionary Wing commander
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM (AFPN) --  Now that we've been involved in the war on terrorism for some time through operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, I think it's important to reflect on why we fight.

I was working on this article when I received an e-mail from a very good friend of mine. He was in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11 when it was hit -- his words to me, to us, hit the mark:

"I am sitting in the comfort of a beautiful home, safe and secure, due in large part to what you and your team are doing today. I send my heartfelt thanks to you for the sacrifice that you and your wonderful group of young people are offering up to our country. I pray daily for the safe return of all of you. I also pray for the innocents that are in the way of your difficult work.

"How does a country like ours have the great fortune to have dedicated people like you and your command in our service? How can we thank you and your families enough for all that they have been asked to bear?

"As you know, my service to our country was with the 3rd infantry at Arlington in the late 60's. Back then, late at night, I would see the faces of those we had put to rest and know first hand the dangers that all of our troops must be experiencing today.

"At night these days I see the faces of the men in uniform who came to our rescue in the buildings on 9/11. Arlington did not prepare me for the river of tears that were shed here in New York over the last 16 months. The justice that I feel that all of you are delivering today warms my troubled soul. I believe all those who were lost that day would send you their gratitude as well.

"I think of how proud I was to give a few years to my country's service. I now feel the same kind of pride when I reflect upon all the people we have in uniform today in harm's way. It gives me a great deal of comfort to know there are dedicated professionals like you and your team that this country can call upon, in our time of need.

"I lost many friends on 9/11. I truly believe that what you are doing for us today is making us all a lot safer. I also believe that you are making those who don't like us more reflective of the consequence of their actions.

"God bless you. God bless all in your command. God Bless America.

"Survivor WTC 9/11"

Let us never forget why we fight. I salute you and am proud to be in this fight with you, and leave you with this quote, one by Abraham Lincoln:

"Our reliance is in the love of liberty ... Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men, in all lands, everywhere."