Leadership Lost

• By now most of you recognize me as a patriot; not because I served in World War 2 but because I continue to have eyes that water as the flag is presented or the sight of our young men and women marching or as the strains of the National Anthem is resounding through the land. I do not apologise for by my emotional character, contrary, I allow this mentality to be a source of recognition for all that have been killed, wounded or harmed in any of the ways that wars inflict. This past week I received an e-mail which brought into perspective ways, of which I have never been made aware--the number of brave young men and I'm sure too many women, who lie in graves all over Europe. This has primarily been the result of the second World War. I am not attempting to make a political report out of this, but rather just to bring to attention the terrible cost of war and the loss that goes beyond merely the paralyzing deaths that have occured. I think of the potential, the capabilities, the leadership that many of those lost could have provided to my beloved country. How many Einsteins, Reagans, Kennedys or Salks lie in those many burials sites? I am so deeply saddened at the thought of the parents, wives or husbands that, very likely, may still weep today at those lost. We have been accused of arrogance in parts of Europe and the far East where Iraq and Afghanistan still exact the deaths of, too many, courageous men and women.Yes, and my eyes are blurred even now as I write this. I don't know how many may read this and be aware that 104, 000 is the result of our last excursion into war torn Europe. Over 100,000 souls lie in the 20 graves that dot a distant land. Basically, much of the world treats us with distain. We have, numerically, few allies that will stand at  our sides during the present conflicts and it is still the U.S. that stands the brunt of these conflicts. Is this truly arrogance?   Who knows what we have lost that is more that their deaths? It is my hope, no, my prayer that in some mystical manner we may find ways to solve world problems without resorting to military acts of  violence. It is also my hope that sufficient may read this text to stop and think of those who might well have lead our country in ways of peace and prosperity but for their courage in battle. May God bless them and guide us that we may be able to prevent this horror from ever happening again.