This article is written by Lt. Colonel Tony Traficante, US Army, Ret., ISDA member and former President of the organization. 

For Those Who Answered the Call

Especially the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives, we respectfully dedicate this Memorial Day

One has to wonder why our young men and women willingly come forward to fight for country, knowing they may face death? Here is what they might say: “We know war is not good, but sometimes one must take a stand to protect our freedoms. We love our country; it is our duty to defend it.” Defend it they must; if they don’t, the alternative will be a life of tyranny and suppression.

Philosopher John Stuart Mill said:

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing he cares more about than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free….

Freedom is something that is often loosely tossed about; it is not a guarantee, but once earned, the cost of defending it is high.

The men and women of the United States Armed Forces are indeed unique, different in heritage and background, but they share a common persuasion of duty and sacrifice. They wear their uniforms proudly. Glory is not their objective, but often the exigencies of battle will force it upon them.

America will continue to call her sons and daughters to defend freedom and liberty… and they will come, not without worry, but always with resolve, dedication and courage. Pray for them, the living and the dead, and those who will next “Answer the Call!”

 “Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the skies. All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh”.