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| My wife's birthday was September 11. Since her passing nearly four years ago, this date has become a reminder of personal loss for me and our family. To commemorate her birthday, the kids and I always get together for dinner. While the pain of losing her is an unspoken presence, present too is the evidence of her unending love. As I look around the table, I rejoice in the family she and I created - our three sons, our daughter, and now two grandchildren. She lives on in each of us.
Just as personal loss never really heals, a national loss also leaves deep and painful wounds. The loss we shared on September 11, 2001 lives on in each of us as Americans. This past week as I watched the news stories about the terrorist attack eight years ago which took thousands of innocent lives, the emotions of shock and horror and sadness were reawakened in me. For Americans today, this date has taken on the significance of December 7 for the World War Two generation.
I am proud that we continue to honor the memory of those who perished that day. 1 am proud, as well, that we continue to show gratitude for the bravery of the emergency personnel - police, firefighters and others - whose lives are dedicated to protecting us. And, I am especially proud that we as a people have been united in our support for the many sailors, soldiers and airmen who selflessly answer the country's call to service.
Just last week, I spoke with an area resident - an Army reservist - who was home on leave from his third tour of duty since the start of our War on Terror. I couldn't help but think of the immense personal sacrifice that he - and others like him - are making on our behalf. No amount of compensation now or in the future can adequately replace what he is giving up - in terms of time away from his family and from his private sector profession. His sacrifice is emblematic of all those who wear our country's uniform.
Those who serve us in the military share a deep love of our nation and the ideals for which it stands - so much so that they put their very lives on the line. December 7, 1941 instilled in us an appreciation and an admiration for those who wore the uniform. But, sadly, our Korean and Vietnam veterans did not receive the same recognition. I hope that this time the renewed respect for our military veterans will not waver as time goes by.
That is my two cents.
Tim Penny
It's been a little over 8 years now since those horrifying events, and a little less since American troops first set foot in Afghanistan. We're still there - or more appropriately - they're still there. It's something we as Americans don't think about enough. The media doesn't talk about it enough. The boots on the ground are the only ones who have done enough. In fact, they've done more than enough, and we owe them. Big time.
For years, many Americans have acted like a ribbon car magnet on the back of their car was doing their part in supporting the troops. This is not enough. We missed many opportunities at the beginning of the conflict in Afghanistan, and again in 2003 in Iraq. Our previous President and previous Secretary of Defense received plenty of deserved flack (but perhaps too little, too late) for their lack of planning ahead. Bush obviously receives criticism for lots of things, but not for his lack of leadership in the wake of 9/11.
In fact, that's when his approval numbers, not surprisingly, were at their highest. But while the nation rallied behind our President, he should have done more. We should have been asked that we all pitch in. In every way, be it financially or otherwise, regular citizens and soldiers should have been galvanized into a united front to fight and win the war in Afghanistan.
It's the soldiers and their families - almost exclusively - that have made the sacrifices. And even as many of us have missed years of opportunities to show them our appreciation, it's never too late.
My apologies for being preachy on a touchy subject. It's the kind of tough love we Americans need, myself included. Our armed forces do everything their country asks of them and more. Too many have given their last full measure of devotion, and too few of us seem to remember that.
That's my two cents.
Marcus Penny
Our Two Cents is written by Tim and Marcus Penny. Tim Penny is a former U.S. Congressman and Waseca resident. Marcus Penny studies at Minnesota State University, Mankato.
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