Yesterday, because it was the anniversary of the beginning of World War II, I thought of writing chapter 6 of my life story, and focusing on that time, and the war, and how it affected the part of the world I lived in.

But I saw something in the news that changed my mind. World War II veterans, some of them 80 years old, or older, gathered yesterday to honor the sacrifices our military made in that war. In their talks yesterday, they mentioned that because of their ages, many of them aren't sure they can attend next year.

So I think instead of focusing on that particular war, something needs to be said about those that followed, and some that took place before.

I'm not real astute about World History, but in my years I've picked up a little. When I read about governments not based on separation of church and state, and the atrocities they heaped upon those who opposed them, I was shocked.
Torture and death were common place. Many groups of people risked dying to get to America and the freedoms they believed waited here.

Long before World War II, other wars were fought. Men were willing to die to defend territories, and determine who would rule.


In 1836 In Texas, a battle was fought at a religious mission. All who opposed the invasion died there, but not before a line was drawn in the sand, to separate those who would stay and fight from those who wouldn't. and it came down to every man. Wars that followed picked up the battle cry it began. When World War II started, you could hear it, "Remember The Alamo". That's the kind of courage we needed then, and need today.

At the Alamo Americans fought to defend a country, a cause. Terrorists, their very name describes them, only want to destroy, and while attempting to do that, delight in humiliating and inflicting pain, and fear.

What's happening today is even more insidious. When the terrorists flew our planes into the Trade Center towers, they didn't bravely announce their coming, or state a cause for war. Like the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941, they sneaked in, under cover, and attacked, but what they did declared a brand new war.

Their beliefs harken back to religious wars of ancient times. At least their ideology is the same, that to exist with them, all must adopt their beliefs.

This won't happen, of course. Peaceful co-existence with them will never be. So we fight unseen enemies, wherever they appear. It could be in New York subways, or in an oil field, or one of our airports. Yesterday one was arrested for trying to bomb a shopping Center. It's not a conincidence it was to be done at Christmas.

This challenge to our country won't end soon, maybe never, but there is something we can do to strengthen us for the battle. I'm not saying we should lay down our weapons. Having them gives us strength. It's not likely we'll be called on to do hand to hand battle, but we can overcome evil with good, one good deed at a time.

Not in high government board rooms, but wherever we happen to be.

We can slow down a moment and let someone in traffic. Move over for someone at the mall to rush by. Not be so critical when we see someone begging. Not judge why their life is that way.
Appreciate our own good fortune enough to give some of it to others. Care if we leave the outdoors like we found it. At least not litter it up.

Ordinary people become heroes by finding causes bigger than they. Let's go a step further with charity, and not expect praise for ourselves.
Enough airports and buildings and towns have been named after people.

Let's think on these things and then do them, not only a while at Christmas, but every time we can.