A Tribute in Honor of:

The Valor of Some

In honor of all those men and women who have served and are now serving us so faithfully in the armed forces of the United States of America.  To my father, rest his soul, Marx Lenten Litchfield, who served in the U.S. Army in WWII in the European Theater; and to my son, Cpl. Jason K. Drake, USMC, currently serving his country in Iraq.

I am the bridge between the future and the past.  A generation apart from "the greatest" one and the other determined not to be "the last".  My father stood against the evil in his time, joining forces with allies, he left home and family far behind. And now my son has chosen service to his country over self.  For if honor flees a man, then what is left?  I carry the burden of knowing many of my generation did not do their part.  They hid behind the cloak of "peace" and were often faint of heart. And yet a few courageous souls did survive.  Their truths were not extinguished in their time. Tell descendants of the men and women who gave their lives to set our nation free, that it doesn't mean a thing today, we take for granted our liberty.  Tell the Soldier who fought at Normandy that all his efforts have come to naught.  Tell the Sailors and Marines at Pearl Harbor their sacrifices we soon forgot.  Tell the Airmen who served in Vietnam and Korea they are tokens of the past.  And that heroism is fleeting in the memories of this new "cast". Many here today do not have patriot dreams. Their understanding of our country's past is limited by their own plans and schemes.  No allegiance to our flag is premised by these groups.  No prayer is spoken from their lips to support the safety of our troops. It's just a political game for those who valor does not know.  No sacrifice for them, their conscience they can stow.  The night is still, the protestors safely in their beds.  While Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines rest not their weary heads. Going forward now, forsaking not the lessons of world history.  As in the past, evil flourishes through complacency. As God in Heaven watches over all, some brave souls on earth still respond to duty's call. Debbie-Kaye Drake, 02/16/03