Father: Soldiers past and present are 'my heroes'says
James Bray Stack of Arlington Heights was a child on Sept. 11, 2001, but he lost his life in the war that followed. Stack, 20, a lance corporal in the U.S. Marines, was killed Nov. 10, 2010, in Afghanistan, leaving behind his wife, 1-year-old daughter, sister, mother and father, who wrote this essay.
As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 suicide attacks against our nation, I'm reminded of many things.
I'm reminded of how evil reared its ugly head that day and how the electronic age we live in enabled many to watch the panic and confusion of the attack as it unfolded on live television.
I'm reminded of the more than 2,900 souls who perished that day, including many firefighters, police officers and rescue workers.
I'm reminded of watching live coverage of the horrifying carnage that day and thinking to myself, “ ... this foe will stop at nothing to attack our nation ... we will end up going to war to hunt down those responsible for this.”
I am reminded that we are a nation at war, fighting a merciless and ruthless gang with no national boundaries who would kill us in our own beds if they could.
I am reminded of all those in the military who face many hardships as they voluntarily and selflessly serve, some going into harm's way and leaving their loved ones behind.
I'm reminded of the difficulties they face as they fight an opponent who hides behind women and children, planting bombs anywhere and everywhere, often killing or maiming the innocent.
I'm reminded of all the casualties our military has endured and how hard it has been for those whose loved ones came home on their shield or badly wounded.
I'm reminded that I can live in this country as a free man because of those who bravely and courageously serve and our veterans; they are all my heroes.