A Citizen's Duty

by Robert J. Romano

May 30th, 2004

As we as a nation observe the honorable sacrifice that has been made over the past two centuries by the United States military, I am reminded that it is right for citizens to pay their respects in their own way, and towards that end, that enjoying the fruits of our freedom may be the most fitting tribute to those that have sacrificed their lives, to those who have put their lives in harm's way and survived, and to those who presently take the risk that comes with defending our homeland, our values, and our liberties.  We should thank our service men and women, the work they do keeps us safe, and as we support them, we must also recognize the importance of the mission of defending the free world.  The good work that our military does often finds Americans far away from home, liberating whole nations, creating the security necessary for freedom to blossom, and in working with the good people of those nations to build free institutions.  This is the greatest work that can be done in a world where tyranny still exists, and such service makes it possible for freedom to spread into regions where it has not been as thoroughly enjoyed as we know it here in America.  As citizens, it is our duty to not only support those in the service, but also to support their mission, which is to defend the freedom that God gave all of us.

        We know that war is dangerous, and we do not wish for our people to pay the ultimate price, but we also understand that while there are still enemies of freedom out there, that we will be safe because of the sacrifice that is so honorably made by those in uniform.  In this present war, I know that we will not let our guard down while the danger still lingers, and that we indeed have the staying power to see the war through to a victorious conclusion.  I know that we have the best and brightest working diligently to defeat the threats of terrorism, and the tyrannies that harbor the enemy.  This has and will remain difficult and dangerous work, and while we accept the risks and the price to be paid, we also understand that completing the mission will have tremendous benefits not just for Americans, but for humanity as a whole.

        Defeating the terror enemy is not only the duty of our military, and there is also an important role that the people play: that of maintaining and bolstering support for winning the conflict.  On the front lines of the war of freedom against fear, we must stay the course in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere in order to defeat the enemy.  Helping nascent democracies to succeed will be a smashing defeat for the terror cause, and in doing so, in making friends in a region where terrorism has often reigned, we will be enlisting new allies in the fight to defend freedom and civilization as we know it, as it will also be their responsibility to defend their homelands.  This evil is a transnational danger, and all nations of the world must realize the threat and confront it.  As we strengthen support for defeating the enemy here at home, so too must we work diligently to enlist the aid of all states in this global war.  The very survival of civilization is at stake, and we must realize as humanity that ignoring the danger will not reap any benefit, will not serve any interest, and will not create any security.

        We need all the help we can muster, and for us here in America that begins on the homefront.  We should do our best to lend our vocal support, as by sending the occasional letter to our service men and women, or if you can afford it, by sending care packages, donating to scholarship organizations for the children of those slain in the war, and many other efforts which are worthy of our value of compassion.  They deserve all the support we may lend, and by strengthening our morale here at home, so too will we be able to add to the will and resolve of those in harm's way.  Our thoughts and prayers will make them stronger, and we should know that our own will and resolve will ultimately determine the outcome of the present conflict.  We are not lax nor reluctant to meet this challenge, and we must reach out to our fellow citizens to enlist their support.  Displaying our flag is yet another way to show your support, which seemed so commonplace just two short years ago.  We must harness the energy that comes from taking a moment to reflect on the past and present contributions of our fighting men and women, and appreciate it, for they will appreciate that.

        It is our duty, and it is right for us to lend our vocal support, despite many critics who believe that service is a prerequisite to talking about military matters, or security issues.  This is not so, and it is repugnant to the point of having a Memorial Day in the first place.  Just as I rightly praise those in harm's way, so too will I rightly condemn those who would disparage or mock our freedom to say thanks.  For me, my own duty as a citizen is to be respectful of the service and the mission, and I believe that every citizen's right to live in freedom is served by our strong will to see this present war through.  We can do so much to help that out, and it is my hope that we will continue to rise to the challenge.  I know that our military is meeting the challenge in outstanding fashion, and we here at home must do our part as well.  It is our responsibility, it is our right, and it is our citizen's duty.