That We Might Live
"Ninety years ago today a ceasefire was signed that marked the end to hostilities on the Western front in World War I. The official hour of the ceasefire was 11 a.m., the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.The war to make the world "safe for democracy," as Woodrow Wilson described it, did not achieve that goal, as the history of the 20th century - and of the 21st, thus far - affirms. Today the shape of the forces that menace democratic rule has changed.
In our time the threat comes from radical Islam, a brutal and bloodthirsty ideology that does not shrink from turning women and children into incendiary devices. Just the other day in Baghdad, a suicide bomber struck again - attacking a hospital waiting room.
Here in the United States, we are entering another phase of self-questioning about our actions to safeguard democracy. Our new president-elect speaks of bringing our troops home from Iraq "responsibly." The bravery of the troops and the brilliance of their commanders, especially Gen. David Petraeus, have paved the way for such a step.
On this Veterans Day, we mark the sacrifices of all our soldiers, past and present, and all they have given to make us safe, even if our safety is of necessity purchased for a period and not in perpetuity. To every veteran we owe gratitude and esteem, care and support as they return to civilian life, and, above all, an acknowledgment that their cause was noble and their sacrifice worthwhile."
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