In the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month World War I came to an end and and the American soldiers who fought overseas for peace finally came home from war. What would be called Armistice Day would eventually evolve into Veterans Day. Unfortunately, the “war to end all wars” would lead to the rise of fascism and World War II. History tends to repeat itself, and I fear that’s exactly what is happening now in the Middle East where President Obama appears to be engaging in a policy of appeasement and negotiation with our sworn enemies.
Jeff Parker / Florida Today (click to view more Veterans Day cartoons)
With President Obama’s premature retreat from Iraq at the end of the year, America and the West are committing the same mistakes they made nearly a century ago. It seems that Mr. Obama’s national security decision was purely political. When our forces hastily leave Iraq come December 31st, Iraq will enter the unknown. Will Iran swoop in and essentially take over the country? What about al Qaeda? There is only one thriving democracy in the Middle East: Israel, and President Obama’s relationship with the leaders of that country is shaky at best. I was hoping after all of the blood and treasure that was spilled in Iraq it would emerge as the second democracy in the region. Now President Obama has put that very much in doubt. Hundreds of thousands of men and women in uniform served gallantly in Iraq, and we cannot let their sacrifice go in vain. We need to honor their service everyday – not just on Veterans Day.
Unbelievably it was seven years ago that brave soldiers in Iraq waged a heroic battle to capture the insurgent city of Fallujah. Citizens United Productions released “Perfect Valor,” a vivid war documentary hosted by Senator Fred Thompson in 2009. The award-winning film tells the true story of the soldiers who fought in the battle of Fallujah. When you watch the documentary you will see why America has the best military in the world. The men and women featured in “Perfect Valor” are this generation’s “Band of Brothers.” Citizens United will never forget the heroes of the Iraq War.
As our men and women serve in Iraq and across the world, they are not the only ones sacrificing. They leave their families at home to bear the burden and wear the worry. Many in our military ranks have served multiple tours overseas. The stress on those families with sons, daughters, husbands, and wives serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and other parts of the world must be overwhelming, especially during the holiday season.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas rapidly approaching, Citizens United is continuing to do something near and dear to our hearts: supporting members of our Armed Forces and military families however we can. This year, Governor Mike Huckabee is teaming up with Citizens United for what has become a tradition: our annual turkey drive for the troops, running for five years now.
On account of budget cuts and a sagging economy, times are especially tough for many of our men and women in uniform and their families. Our focus this year is on Fort Bliss – a base that has been critical to our efforts in fighting The War on Terror. Last year we sent 900 turkeys out to our military families and this year we are aiming for more.
You can help in this worthy and patriotic cause by calling 1-877-212-8798. Please donate today to make this holiday season special for a military family.
God Bless America and our troops!
