A Last Salute

As our Eagle flew into the storm, 
it rose from the turbulence below.
Onward towards the face of God,
our Eagle soared...

As it cast it's shadow from above, 
over the death and debris, 
it was not that of a hawk or dove,
but the symbol of the free.
M.E. 9-11-01

While the innocent fled the path of destruction, our brave firemen and officers were instinctively drawn towards the eye of the storm. As with past American heroes, they went into battle disregarding the danger that lay ahead.

This global war on terrorism is being fought because our ideals of freedom stood in the way of delusional tyrants.  They thought America was weak and had lost her resolve.  Instead, they have rekindled the fire of patriotism and freedom that burns in the hearts of all Americans whether they are Christians, Muslims, Jewish, Buddhists or any other denomination.

Our forefathers founded a government where separation of Church and state has always been a cornerstone of our Democracy. We are not Christian crusaders as some of the terrorist videos have suggested. We have fought and spilled our blood to help protect Muslims in Bosnia so there is no truth of this being any kind of religious war. It is the terrorist who intentionally kills men, women and children regardless of their faith. Al Qaeda and their allies are no more than delusional murderers who hide behind the human shield of women and children. There has never been one terrorist attack where the victims religious beliefs were taken into consideration.

The casualties from the September 11th attack on the Pentagon were the first war related deaths since the Civil War to occur in our Nation's backyard. It was the last time Northern Virginia was considered a war zone and its residents were killed in combat. With our country being threatened by weapons of mass destruction for the first time since the cold war, we wonder... what can be done?

Along with our faith in God (regardless of denomination), it is our history that can help provide us with a way to fortify and steel our resolve. It can help guide us by understanding how past generations have been tested and inspire us with their deeds and courage. 

This Last Salute is for all who have perished in this nations war on terror. It is their character... their ideals... and ultimately their sacrifice, that are woven into the fabric of our flag that we so proudly wave... Whether they were unknown Civil War soldiers who are remembered through this preservation project or the innocent men, women, children and soldiers who died during the 9/11 attack ... their sacrifice will always be remembered by a grateful Nation...

On this anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, our thoughts and condolences go out to all the families who have lost loved ones in this war on terror. We stand next to you united, as one people, under God and indivisible...

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