You Did Not Die In Vain

The Iraq war is a polarizing event such that even ex-presidents do not run short of acrimonious pontifications. It was not like we marched to Iraq like a knight in shining armor to deliver the Iraqis from Saddam. The images of Iraqis dancing in the streets while the Twin Towers were burning will never be blurred from memory but that is beside the point. 911 was not an accident in history – it was a well planned adventure in terrorism that served as a wakeup call for Americans, hitherto smug in the thought that the oceans are buffer zones for safety. 240 dead american servicemen in Lebanon and 17 dead sailors aboard USS Cole failed to shake us from stupor. The burning World Towers were jolting shocks in succession and only a zombie will not react to such pain.

Liberals and Conservatives were unanimous in declaring that retribution is imperative.The terrorist were confronted in their own game and terrirories. But soon the Liberals wavered in their resolve – after body bags started bringing casualties back to the homeland. The Liberals think that fighting terrorist is a game, and according to Harry Reid, one more casualty is one too many. The euphoria of winning the last elections made the Democrats think that they have the mandate to act like wannabe Napoleons and thus attempt to micromanage the Iraq war like it were the little house on the prairie.

Of course there is price to pay for defending the country from terrorism. The soldiers never wavered in their resolve by enlisting in a volunteer service and some even refused lucrative sports contracts . There is no honor more edifying and reward more gratifying than giving one’s life in service to the country. So while wimps and detractors are calumniating George dubya Bush to mask the shaking in their boots, a California family grieves dead soldier.

By JEREMIAH MARQUEZ, Associated Press WriterThu May 24, 12:20 PM ET

The front steps of Pfc. Joseph Anzack Jr.'s old high school became a makeshift shrine of flowers, flags and balloons, marked with a sign reading: "You're our HERO."

The 20-year-old soldier's Web page was also flooded with condolences on Thursday, a day after word came that his body had been found in the Euphrates River following an ambush in Iraq.

At South High School, Arnack was self-assured, knowing early that he wanted to join the military.

"I just remember, as a sophomore or a junior in high school, he was set on it," said Kyle Flynn, the soldier's friend and football teammate. "'I'm ready to go,'" Flynn recalled Anzack saying.

Students went to the school to leave flowers and light candles. The sign on the school steps read, "We love & miss you Joe Anzack. You're our HERO."

Anzack was one of three soldiers who vanished after their combat team was ambushed May 12 about 20 miles outside Baghdad. Five others, including an Iraqi, were killed in the ambush, subsequently claimed by al-Qaida.

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