One way to honor the fallen (May 23)
By Chuck Doud
The Madera Tribune
In his speech Friday before the graduating class of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, President Obama reminded the new officers that it was his policy to never send American forces into battle without good reason.
If that sounds vaguely familiar to you, here’s why: What president do you know who has said otherwise? Certainly since Franklin Roosevelt, every president has said, in one way or another that he would not risk the lives of American soldiers without reason.
The problem is, reasons pop up, and when they do, troops are sent into harm’s way.
When that happens, the best outcome is that they are able to do their jobs and return home safely.
For that to be possible, the United States has an unremitting obligation to maintain the best trained and best equipped military force in the world.
As we observe Memorial Day this weekend, we should keep in mind that the best homage we can pay to military men and women who have died is to make sure that those who go next into battle will have proper training, will be commanded by well-educated and competent officers and will be under the oversight of political leaders who provide clear objectives and the wherewithal to achieve them.
An overwhelmingly powerful defense establishment is the best insurance against ever having to use it. When the decision to use it is made, though, the goal should never be short of victory.
The United States is often referred to as the world’s policeman, but that is a mandate akin to trying to herd cats. We should forget it.
The men and women we honor this weekend paid for our freedom with their lives. Let us not treat that sacrifice as anything but sacred. Let the president provide for the military as though he were the one going into battle.
