HunterByrd

Seven United States Marines were killed in action today near Fallujah. I am stricken with grief for them and for their families. I do not know them by name but I know them by heart. They are my frontline - our frontline. They were very young men who were possessed of courage, duty, and a sense of honor that so many in my generation lacked.

I know there are many in America today who will give lip-service to grief they do not possess for these troops. These people will see the awful events of war this day as another arrow in Michael Moore's quiver. For them, it is good news because it can be turned upon George W Bush and his administration.

And the debate, old as the hills will continue to rage: press the attack or retreat. Well, we cannot retreat. The U.S. must stand in the gap, because no one else is able. If you have, or have had, children, then you know their precious nature. You know you cannot begin to imagine the pain and gut-wrenching emotion of those Russian parents and grandparents who suffered the loss of life and pure, innocent love in southern Russia at the hands of evil terrorists.

If we run from the reality of our dead Marines, the reality of dead American children will surely replace them. If we run, then it is a matter of time before the evil ones come to possess the instruments of our mass destruction.

Would but this were a dream. Semper Fi.