Join the Discussion Stand and Fight?

Related Resources • Joining the Military Resource • Are You Going to be Drafted?

Elsewhere on the Web • Mobilization Information • Pentagon Updates • Resources for Joining Up • Terrorism Updates • National Defense PAC

Whether we stand and fight, or stand in fear, is a question every American needs to seriously consider. In the aftermath of this terrible attack upon our freedoms and national security, we heed important lessons, stand together as Americans and unite as never before.

There are so many potential "wars" at our doorstep it's hard to prioritize them - gang wars, drug smuggling, crime waves, political strife, religious conflict and morality squabbles . As a society, few anticipated the most serious challenge of all -- an all-out assault against our precious American freedoms.

Over the years, Americans took their freedoms for granted. We wake up each day rarely realizing that we are free simply because we are Americans, but that freedom wasn't just given to us, it was earned with the blood of our forefathers. We go to sleep not thinking about who is defending American liberties each night in far-flung parts of the world, and on the streets outside our homes. Those guardians are the Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, as well as our law enforcement and intelligence communities. Have you ever said "thank you" to them for giving up better opportunities to advance themselves financially? It is horrendous to know that some of these men & women are struggling to make ends meet or live in substandard housing. They were neglected and abused due to budget cuts. One wonders why so many stay in the military. They do because they are special. They are patriotic Americans, who have chosen their careers because of their love of country and selfless devotion to duty. Everyone who reads this should thank Military Men and Women for putting on that uniform each day and the sacrifices they make to preserve our way of life.

There are so many people I meet on an everyday basis who have no military connections. Most of our Congressional Representatives and staffers have no personal links to our Military forces. This is not unusual in our society; it is a collective characteristic of not taking more pride in our Armed Forces when times are calm. There are people burning the American Flag claiming it is their right as an American under the First Amendment. Personally, I consider that act to be "disrespectful of our birthright!" These people are opportunists taking advantage of a freedom handed down by our Forefathers who died to give birth to that flag.

I was one of the ones stranded on the other side of the country as a result of Last Tuesdays attack, I was lucky-- I was with friends who opened their homes to me in a time of crisis. As I watched in horror, to see my beloved New York in crisis and the thought of losing friends at the Pentagon was unbearable. Upon my return to Washington, DC, on Sunday morning, I was devastated to see the Pentagon up close. On a daily basis, I work very closely with Congress and the Military. Since my return, I have heard countless stories of selfless acts in NYC by family members, and the faithful honor of my beloved military at the Pentagon of people taking care of each other. We need more such unity to preserve our freedoms.

It has come a time for each of us to take stock of ourselves and in each other! We must fight the forces of fear and evil. In our communities and across this great nation, power has too long been in the hands of the wrong people. Out of fear we let gangs that terrorize our neighborhoods. We turn our backs on drug dealing. Fear touches us all in many ways, every day. We allow or abet squabbling between our politicians, allowing pieces of our freedom to be chipped away from our foundations. I cried this week when I saw Republicans and Democrats holding hands following the attacks. This is what was needed all along. Politicians are all Americans; they need to do what is right for America, not for votes.

We cower from so many things that intimidate us. We must stop empowering the forces of evil. We need to take back our communities just as much as we need to retaliate against international terrorism. We shy away from morality when stand by meekly while fellow Americans to be raped, murdered and robbed. We don't get involved for fear of being hurt. That's how freedoms are lost. This is exactly what the terrorists intended to do --intimidate American and rob it of its liberties. I commend President Bush for the message he sent, telling us to get on with our lives and not let fear cower us as a people.

Our forefathers did not give us Freedom in order for us to forget its meaning. Freedom means taking care of our own. Freedom means getting involved on a daily basis. Freedom means helping others in trouble. Freedom means being compassionate. Freedom means flying the flag every day! Freedom means being an American and being proud of it!

Copyright © Elizabeth Kilbride. Printed with Permission

About the Author. Elizabeth Kilbride is the Director of Public Affairs for the National Defense Political Action Committee, 500 S Wayne St, #103, Arlington, VA 22204 703-486-2045. Ms. Kilbride has been actively serving the interests of active duty and reserve forces for the United States Marines Corps and the United States Army, by lobbying Congress on military and veterans issues for over 20 years. She is very well respected among the military community and veterans as their activist in our nations capitol.