Over There
December 10, 2003

Christmas lights hung on the chapel with care ... Roots tells of our Savior while they're "over there." Click here to view Roots' photo album.

I've been thinking a lot about this old patriotic song written by George M. Cohan in 1917. The song tells of the Yanks going over there, referring to Europe in general, and France in particular to take up arms against the "Huns." World War I had been raging for several years at that point. Under the leadership of President Woodrow Wilson, the United States adopted an isolationistic policy, preferring to let Europe handle its own affairs.

Once again, the United States finds itself "over there." We had felt we were not going to be attacked by terrorists like the rest of the world. Then came 9-11. We have been forced to face the reality of terrorists. We certainly didn't want to have to take up this mantle of responsibility, but when it is thrust on you, it's time to answer the call.

A Pepto-Bismol toast with RP1 Brett Baldree — one of the many sacrifices of our men and women overseas.

I've been thinking about the WWI time period because of something the Secretary of the Navy said to us when he was here two weeks ago. He said the reason we're here in places like Afghanistan, Kuwait, Iraq, and Djibouti, is so we won't have to fight terrorists on the streets of America. I couldn't agree more. It is far preferable to hunt the bad guys where they live, than have to hunt them where we live.

There seems to be a lot of hyperbole in the media over the War on Terrorism. Despite the empty talk that crowds the airwaves, let me share with you some of the things I've personally heard that encourage me to stay the course.

First, I recently had the privilege of meeting the priest of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Djibouti. He is a delightful man and very gracious. He steered the conversation around to why our American military is in Djibouti and elsewhere throughout the Middle East and Western Asia. I held my breath, not sure of what was coming. I need not have worried. The priest stated how thankful he was for America, explaining his reasons for such a statement this way. The United States is the only nation willing to carry the fight to the terrorists. He says he prays for us and the families of those who have lost their lives in this effort.

Second, I can't ever forget what the Iraqi gentleman said to me last May in Babylon. "You not leave Iraq," speaking in limited English, expressing his fervent wish that our military stay until the Iraqis have the time and opportunity to establish their own government and self-control.
Third, there are several poignant reasons for our continued efforts. I first saw this list on the side of one of our Navy war ships. It says, "Why We Are Here." They are listed in chronological order.

• October 1983 Marine Barracks, Beirut, Lebanon
• December 1988 Pan Am Flight 103, Lockerbie, Scotland
• February 1993 World Trade Center, NYC, New York
• June 1996 Khobar Towers, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
• August 1998 U.S. Embassies, Kenya and Tanzania, Africa
• October 2000 USS Cole, Aden, Yemen
• September 11, 2001 World Trade Center, NYC, NY
  Pentagon, Washington DC
  United Airlines Flight 93, Pennsylvania

So I guess we could say Mr. Cohan was something of a prophet when he penned the words, "The Yanks are coming. So prepare, say a prayer, send the word, send the word to beware. We'll be over, we're coming over, and we won't come back till it's over over there."

If the streets of America are to be safe for future generations, then we'll be over here doing business until it's over over here.

Your support and encouragement mean more than anything to us, especially at this time of year when we won't be able to enjoy the season's festivities with our loved ones. I believe I can say with certainty that we feel it's a small price to pay in order to secure the freedom and safety of our families and friends.

God bless America!