Tribute to the Airborne 9

Today, 9 paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne "America's Guard of Honor" gave their lives in Iraq. As I heard the news, I was reminded of the editorial of a soldier who asked why the American flag was raised to half-staff because of the loss of life in the Virginia Tech massacre. He wondered why the same was not done for our soldiers who die in Iraq.

I can understand his sentiments. I also understand the time honored tradition of a call to half-staff. It is not possible to do so in every instance of a soldier dying while doing his duty. However, that does not take away from the point the soldier was making. Have we forgotten the price that is being paid?

For the next thirty days, I will be posting the 82nd Airborne patch. The division is my home division. This Christmas I purchased my sons a full kit with all the necessary insignia to make them master sergeants in the 82nd.

I don't want to forget the price those soldiers are paying for our freedom.

Duty done. You have done the silver wings proud.