Thursday, September 4, 2008

:: 96 Too Many ::

I'm sure most of you have heard now, about the three soldiers that were killed this week when their LAV was attacked. The three men that lost their lives were aged 21, 21, and 23 and were based out of Shilo, the same base my brother trained in. I came across this poem, written by 23-year-old Cpl. Andrew Grenon, one of those fallen soldiers, during a previous tour in 2006.........
"I've often asked myself why we are here. Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place. There are no natural resources. No oil, gold, or silver. Just people.
People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years. People who want nothing more than their children to be safe. People who will do anything for money; even give their own life. I look into the eyes of these people. I see hate, destruction and depression. I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation. Why do we fight? For in this country, there are monsters. Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time. Monsters that could easily take the fight to us. Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil. A country that is unable to rebuild itself. A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth. Why do we fight? Because, if we don't fight today, on THIS battlefield, then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield. I fight because I'm a soldier. I fight because I'm ordered. I fight, so my children won't have to."
These latest deaths bring the total of lost soldiers to 96. Ninety six soldiers have given their lives in defense of a country whose language they don't even understand. We cannot forget our soldiers and the sacrifices they and their families have made to make a stand against terrorism and help a country rebuild itself.
Remember our troops in your prayers today...........

6 comments:

Meg Baxter said...

Thank you, Christie. This is hard news to take when my husband's just joined the Forces. But we have the victory in Christ. That's all I can hold on to at times like these.

Sincerely,
Meghan

Nancy said...

Christy...thank you soo much for finding and sharing that poem. I grieve with those families, those boys just about coming home just like Nathan...wow insight that young man had into why we are there, and why we cannot just pull out like I hear all the time. Love you sweetheart...MOM

Chris said...

Very, very well said.

Jason and Kristin said...

Thanks for sharing that. Your brother and the rest of the troops are in our prayers.

Jennifer said...

Wow!! Thank you so much for sharing :)

Laura said...

Wow, I'm having to fight back tears - the part about fighting so our children won't have to was what really got to me! What brave men and women - thanks for the reminder Christy