War in Iraq

I am currently reading Condoleezza Rice's book, No Higher Honor. It is a fascinating view into how national security works and what happened on that side of things during the Bush years including the September 11th terrorist attacks.

It was today, March 20th, in 2003 that the United States and three other countries began military operations in Iraq in the early hours of the morning.

It is remarkable what has changed since. Specifically, that the highest profile world dictator has faced justice. Saddam Hussein was the most feared and brutal world leader in the last several decades. Now he is gone.

I remember before the war reading a British intelligence report about the horrors that Hussein committed. Even to this day, I cannot even bear to write them down because of the horrific nature of the eyewitness accounts against political prisoners, women, and anyone who fell into the disfavor of the tyrant.

Hussein was brought to justice because of the bravery and sacrifice of men and women in the United States Armed Forces.

There is a line in the Battle Hymn of the Republic that many of us have always song as follows:

"As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free!"

But that is not how it was originally written. It originally said:

"As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free!"

That is a huge part of what has made America great. Good people are willing to live and die for others. I am thankful for my brothers (one in the Army and one in the Air Force) for being examples to me of good men who stepped up to serve their country.

We like to use dates to mark important things. We remember people we love by marking their birthday. We celebrate holidays for the same reasons. Let us make use of this day as well.

Let us remember this anniversary in two ways:
1. Remember that the world is changed for the better without Saddam Hussein.
2. Remember those in uniform with a prayer and a hug (if you can).

By Jeremiah Lorrig