Yesterday ... was a day in history. It should be recorded... as it was announced that Usama Bin Laden was killed. After 10 years.
It was interesting ... I had several emotions. At first .. shocked. Although, I'm not sure why as it was really inevitable that we as bad-ass Americans were going to find him. Really? I'd say we have a good history in the area of revenge. Pearl Harbor?
Then the emotion turned to indifference. Why do I care if they killed him? Does it matter to me? To my family? Is it okay to be happy that someone died?
My attitude quickly changed as I read an email Sean sent to me this morning.
Alana,
...
I think a lot of people will cheer, but I'm not sure how deeply rooted their feelings are. I know that as an American you just wouldn't like the man and could easily muster the ability to say that you're happy he's dead. I suppose I see it from a much more personal perspective.
Did I specifically hunt him? No, but me and my men worked to dismantle his organization and followers. I've seen quite a few good men die in that effort. I've seen a lot of people whose lives and way of life was radically altered because of him. Because of him and his followers, my life is forever changed. So, am I happy that he's dead? Yes, but I won't party in the street the way many will. I will savor it in a quieter way. I will think about the good men who paid the ultimate price in order to bring him to justice. I will think about you and the kids and how grateful I am to be home with you.
Love,
Sean
This pretty much brought me to a different view on Bin Laden and his life and death. Sean is right ... this man has had an effect on many lives. In many different ways.
Exactly. Even mine. Even my own family. Have we sacrificed as a family to see that this man was brought to justice? Absolutely. Did my husband die doing it? No. But a piece of my family died while he was fighting against the terror this man masterminded. Hours .. days .. years ... that we can't ever recover as a family. There is re-building in the middle east ... but trust me, there's re-building that's had to happen in our own American homes as well.
So yes, we all have different perspectives and thoughts about this man. Today ... I've reflected upon my own.
And it comes down to a feeling of gratitude. For those who have served ... and continue to serve for our freedom. For our rights as Americans ... to feel free to celebrate this day. Or not to celebrate this day. Because we have a choice.
And for those heroes left behind to raise children and fight the good fight ... alone.
Raise your glasses ... it is a good day.
4 comments:
well said. and if my Christianity is questioned because an evil, evil man is dead so be it. I wont shed a tear for this man who has been the cause of thousands if not millions of his own people being slaughtered in the name of "allah" I've been listening to some of the radio stations who have questioned us being happy and I think how can you not be, this man was against God, it's a path he chose and just as David rejoiced when his enemies were defeated so will I celebrate that this b@st@rd is dead!!!!! It doesn't bring back those that are dead but it does make their deaths and every military families scarifies worth while.
Thanks for sharing Sean and Alana...thank you Sean for defending America...and Alana for supporting him. You're a beautiful person my friend...
Well said my friend. I totally agree with you both. I cannot dance in the streets or cheer. Another person died who killed so many others. I wish the others were still here, and his death was a speck. Yet it's monumental. I just feel an ache for all you and the forces have sacrificed. Thank you. It was necessary, I suppose, but at what cost? Thanks to Sean too.
Amen, Sister. I appreciate you posting Sean's letter, too. It's because of great men like him that we are able to live the lives we do, and are now able to celebrate this day. We owe everything to our troops!
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