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I was watching the movie "Saving Private Ryan" the other night. I was by myself and I was trying to get some time away from writing my book. I watched with admiration as the young men of that time stormed the beaches of Normandy and thoughts of that horrific day must be for ever branded in to the minds of many brave young men that day. I guess the same can be said of any war, but the war of Iraq is a war that could lead to much unrest for many years to come.

I sometimes watch Ollie North on FX channel about missions that have gone on in Iraq. These young men and women are truly fighting against insurgents that are thinking Alla condones these acts of suicides against humanity. The psychological impact that this must be having on the men and women of Iraq, must be overwhelming to say the least. In many cultures suicide is considered a sin, so how can a young Iraqi man or woman run into a building loaded down with explosives. It is a culture that is very hard to understand.

I watched the movie"Private Ryan" where this woman had lost four sons to the war. The General read the letter Abraham Lincoln had written to a mother that had lost five sons in the civil war. You could tell that the letter was sincerely written and to loose so many love ones in a war that was brother against brother. I could only imagine this families grief. Many families have sacrificed love ones to wars past and in this clear and present danger that our soldiers face now in Iraq the same rules apply to what our losses may be.

Now I watch these young men and women waiting in airports. Most look like they are not old enough to shave and Some are sleeping on the terminal floor, while others are eating a snacks and talking to each other, If you talk to one of these fine young people you will be greeted with respect. A respect that catches that lump in your throat as you shake their hand and you feel your eyes go moist. I have often thought about those young kids going to Iraq and when I do. I remember that letter written by Abraham Lincoln to the mother that lost five sons, I think of them as my sons and daughters and the horror they must see before they finally see peace once again. Hopefully that day will come soon for the sons and daughters that are in Iraq and they can be back at home once more.

So in this reflection I have on the war in Iraq. I must confess that these men and women of our armed forces are a new breed of what Americans hold near and dear to our hearts. These young people are taking the torch and going into a different realm of warfare that has lead them to a far distant shore. My hopes and prayers go with them as the step on to the planes and ships that will carry them into the country of Iraq and one can only hope that the life changing experiences over there will not be in vain.

Learn more about this author, Rex Coker.
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