One of the great lessons of World War II is that maintaining vigilance is essential to the preservation of the things we hold dear. In the months preceding the Gulf War, President George Bush vowed that there would be no appeasement of Iraq, no treaty rewarding aggression in exchange for a transparent peace. Clearly, he was referring to the sad chain of events that culminated in the Munich Pact of 1938, the sellout of Czechoslovakia and the hastening of global conflict. When new challenges come, and most certainly they will, we must be courageous in the defense of freedom. Quite possibly, we will see that day again.
Courage is more than bravery under fire.
It is the wisdom and the willingness to do the right thing. Fortunately, we have examples of true courage surrounding us every day. In the new millennium we must not go looking for trouble, but neither can we afford to shrink from a threat. In doing either, we would dishonor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives. The courage to employ strength justly and equitably, whether through diplomatic or military means, ensures that we will remain the captains of our fate.