War is Hell

I recently had a discussion with a mother of a veteran who just returned to the United States from the battlefield of Iraq. She stated with me that indeed her son has changed. The experiences of combat that her son endured, with the loss of friends, has irrevocably changed him beyond what she could have imagined. He is alive but the war has taken its toll. For this, may I speak for the those of us who do care for our servicemen, we are eternally grateful. We cannot give back to him what has been lost. Along with other veterans, he will heal in time enough to carry on in this society as millions of Americans have in the past.

Her son is worthy of all praise for the sacrifices he has made for his country, his family and for himself and his Marine buddies. We Americans who have not endured the crucible of combat cannot fully understand or know the level of pain you have suffered and we shall never know. You have entered the Fraternity of Warriors who have down through the ages distinguished themselves in great and small ways both publically and in private the necessity to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Know this, you are loved and envied by us who have not experienced war and all of its destructive reprecussions. An envy born of ignorance and perhaps even a bit shortsighted, but we who sit in comfort and safety are in awe of your courage and your loyalty to duty to defend this great nation. I pray that Christ the Lord may heal your wounded mind and that you may sleep soundly once more. Cast all your cares upon the Lord, for he careth for you.