Our troops need the support of their nation

I live in the Valley and have for many years. I received an e-mail this morning that was asking for signatures on an anti-war petition. I do not share their sentiment, nor did I invite their views and opinions into my home. However, I did have a response. If you could please take a few minutes to read what I have written it would be greatly appreciated.

The thought of these military families receiving these anti-war e-mails upsets me. They need to know that it is not the opinion of everyone, and there are many of us who support our troops. There is no e-mail being circulated that acknowledges the reality of our people being there already. They are there, war has started, they just haven't shot the guns yet. They need to know that their country values them, and what they are doing for the rest of us back home. In my opinion, there is only one thing we at home can do to help and that is offer our support the troops as well as their families. Stand behind our president. We can all be mad at Bush when the war is over, but I doubt anyone will be when victory is won.

These people need to know they're supported, because some will not make it home for the heroe's welcome. That's the reality of war. If the Frontiersman chooses to use my letter, I'd be very proud. No doubt many with loved ones in the desert will receive that e-mail and I think it's only fair that they get one that shows the opinions of the rest of the population. I do not want any reimbursement, but would like the people with loved ones over there to know it's not in vain. I deleted the e-mail requesting my signature and this was my response to the person who sent it to me.

I have two brothers-in-law in the military, one sister overseas and one that had to say good-bye to her husband six weeks ago when he was sent to the Middle East. My loyalties lie with my country, not the United Nations. How do we know that Saddam hasn't had a plan of mass destruction already in the works?

It makes me sad that we're going into this war, not only unsupported by our allies, but as a divided nation. Seems to me that these people who much rather prefer their safe distance from this fighting, fail to recognize or support the hundreds of troops who have selflessly left their families behind to support the foundation of our country and protect the freedoms of its people like our fathers and grandfathers have done for us. Who knows what kind of a world we'd be living in if we hadn't gotten involved in World War II. Hitler and Saddam aren't very different in their tactics and undying need for power, obtained through the most hellish treatment of their people.

I wish someone would send out an e-mail that supported our country, our president and our troops who are willing to sacrifice their lives for the greater good of a nation that we all have taken pride in at one time or another. Is Sept. 11 so buried in our memories that we can no longer recall the mass devastation, the countless tragic losses that so many had to suffer? We are one of the last free countries and don't know any different, so who are we to pass judgment?

We need to become that "One nation under God, for liberty and justice." This man is none of those things. He's a murderer of thousands already. How quickly we forget our friends when fear sets in and the only thing of importance is self preservation. Normandy Beach. Hundreds upon hundreds of our troops, lying face down in sand. Childless mothers, fatherless children, lives not lived for lack of longevity because they wanted to defend what they felt was theirs, what they knew was right. Freedom and humanitarian aid to this country and others who were at risk of losing everything, and this is our thanks when we need their support the most.

Paula Walker lives in Palmer