Take a deep breath and put your mind in neutral. Yes – Afghanistan has fallen and we left a lot of blood there. No – you and our combat casualties did not serve in vain. You shined a light in some of the darkest places on the globe.
You did your job and supported righteous endeavors.
You ensured tens of thousands of terrorists never died from old age.
For a brief, shining moment you demonstrated what American values are about.
This was a moment some others may not be able to share.
You did it in obscurity and without public note. But, to those that witnessed it, you made a difference that will resonate far past your absence.
You were an American displaying what we as a Nation are surely all about.
Above all else, you were supremely, demonstrably honorable.
Many others cannot say that.
You brought smiles to countless people who otherwise would have nothing to smile about. Even if it was just for a moment in time, it mattered.
The agonizing reappraisals can be left to policy makers, historians, and the American people. That isn’t your job. It never was your job…nor your responsibility.
Rest easy. You, those that served, gave our dead and wounded meaning by your presence and participation in something greater than yourself.
The Praetorian Guard – you were and are providing purpose and pride to a Service that many others, acting on a higher plane, could not match.
You served the small band of family you were with well, as your successors will wherever they are asked to serve. As they surely will.
Our Nation depends upon its well of citizens willing to serve for all of us, not just some of us.
Causes and policies will change, but the quality of your service will not and cannot.
That would be a betrayal to what serving is all about and for which we, the 99% who do not fight, expect.
Others may have cause for judgement. You do not.
We have no choice.
You do.
Rest easy. You can sleep well. Some other citizens may not.
– A Vietnam veteran
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