thedrifter
12-11-07, 05:48 AM
Another generation is called to duty
By Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison / Guest columnist
Article Launched: 12/11/2007 12:00:00 AM MST
There are only a few events in American history whose significance is so powerful that hearing the date instantly recalls its dramatic impact on our nation.
For Americans of different generations, Dec. 7, 1941 and Sept. 11, 2001 represent tragic and historic dates in our history. In the words of President Franklin Roosevelt, Dec. 7, 1941 is "a date that will live in infamy." Friday, 66 years later, we honored not only the 2,333 brave service members who lost their lives in the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor, but the 11 million Americans who fought and won the Second World War, and secured freedom for future generations.Ê
One of the greatest heroes of World War II was Audie Murphy, a farmboy from Kingston, Texas. Almost immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 17-year-old Audie tried to enlist in the military, but the services rejected him for being underage. Then a few months later, he tried again, but he was rejected by the Marines and the paratroopers for being too short.
But he refused to quit. By the time the war ended, Audie Murphy had become the most decorated soldier of the entire conflict -- earning the Medal of Honor and 32 other citations. Today, we remember Audie Murphy as one of the all-time Texas legends, becoming a famous actor after his heroic service.
After Tom Brokaw's book "The Greatest Generation" came out, I asked myself, "What would our generation do if we were called? If America was ever attacked again, would we, too, stand and fight for freedom?"
And then on Sept. 11, 2001, it happened. A new "date of infamy" was marked on the pages of history. And a new generation of heroes has sprung to action.
The attacks of 9/11 were a 21st-century Pearl Harbor, and it has pushed America into a struggle that is just as important as any war we have ever fought: the global war on terror. Our enemies have already proven that they have no respect for human life. They have vowed to subjugate the world to their radical fundamentalism and to establish a global theocracy based on their corrupted version of Islam. We cannot allow them to succeed.
This war has been costly for America in both lives and dollars, but under the leadership of Gen. David Petraeus, our courageous men and women in uniform have made tremendous progress over the past year.
We should never underestimate the ability of nations to change, and for war to yield to peace. The nation that attacked Pearl Harbor -- Japan -- is now one of our staunch est allies.ÊIn September of 1944, a young Navy pilot named George H.W. Bush was shot down in the Pacific by the Japanese. Over 60 years later, his son, President George W. Bush welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the White House.Ê
Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have sacrificed greatly to keep us safe and free, and we must support them as they complete their mission. Although some are calling for surrender, I remain dedicated to winning the war on terror, so that future generations may experience the freedom past generations gave to us.Ê
The Greatest Generation answered the call of Pearl Harbor. The torch has been passed and our generation must carry it out with the same courage and commitment.
Kay Bailey Hutchison is serving her third full term representing Texas in the Senate.
Ellie
By Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison / Guest columnist
Article Launched: 12/11/2007 12:00:00 AM MST
There are only a few events in American history whose significance is so powerful that hearing the date instantly recalls its dramatic impact on our nation.
For Americans of different generations, Dec. 7, 1941 and Sept. 11, 2001 represent tragic and historic dates in our history. In the words of President Franklin Roosevelt, Dec. 7, 1941 is "a date that will live in infamy." Friday, 66 years later, we honored not only the 2,333 brave service members who lost their lives in the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor, but the 11 million Americans who fought and won the Second World War, and secured freedom for future generations.Ê
One of the greatest heroes of World War II was Audie Murphy, a farmboy from Kingston, Texas. Almost immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, 17-year-old Audie tried to enlist in the military, but the services rejected him for being underage. Then a few months later, he tried again, but he was rejected by the Marines and the paratroopers for being too short.
But he refused to quit. By the time the war ended, Audie Murphy had become the most decorated soldier of the entire conflict -- earning the Medal of Honor and 32 other citations. Today, we remember Audie Murphy as one of the all-time Texas legends, becoming a famous actor after his heroic service.
After Tom Brokaw's book "The Greatest Generation" came out, I asked myself, "What would our generation do if we were called? If America was ever attacked again, would we, too, stand and fight for freedom?"
And then on Sept. 11, 2001, it happened. A new "date of infamy" was marked on the pages of history. And a new generation of heroes has sprung to action.
The attacks of 9/11 were a 21st-century Pearl Harbor, and it has pushed America into a struggle that is just as important as any war we have ever fought: the global war on terror. Our enemies have already proven that they have no respect for human life. They have vowed to subjugate the world to their radical fundamentalism and to establish a global theocracy based on their corrupted version of Islam. We cannot allow them to succeed.
This war has been costly for America in both lives and dollars, but under the leadership of Gen. David Petraeus, our courageous men and women in uniform have made tremendous progress over the past year.
We should never underestimate the ability of nations to change, and for war to yield to peace. The nation that attacked Pearl Harbor -- Japan -- is now one of our staunch est allies.ÊIn September of 1944, a young Navy pilot named George H.W. Bush was shot down in the Pacific by the Japanese. Over 60 years later, his son, President George W. Bush welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the White House.Ê
Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines have sacrificed greatly to keep us safe and free, and we must support them as they complete their mission. Although some are calling for surrender, I remain dedicated to winning the war on terror, so that future generations may experience the freedom past generations gave to us.Ê
The Greatest Generation answered the call of Pearl Harbor. The torch has been passed and our generation must carry it out with the same courage and commitment.
Kay Bailey Hutchison is serving her third full term representing Texas in the Senate.
Ellie