Today’s Heroes
The men and women of our volunteer force are an inspiration to all.
By Vice Adm. Norbert R. Ryan Jr., USN-Ret.

We have prevailed in the battle of Iraq, but our nation’s war with Iraq and our concurrent war against terrorism have resulted in the men and women of our armed forces taking on a heavy burden. Hundreds have made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan and Iraq, and many others have suffered serious injuries they will bear for the rest of their lives. Almost daily in one of our national cemeteries, Americans ache watching families, friends, and comrades-in-arms as they grieve the loss of a young and vibrant loved one.

These events serve as stark reminders to all of us that this country’s greatest asset is not its terrific technology or its vast industrial capacity, but our sons and daughters. I believe the United States of America will remain a beacon to the world as long as we continue to produce young men and women like those currently in the armed forces. 

I hope the millions of Americans born after the Vietnam War who soon will inherit the mantle of leadership for this country will be shaped by these current wars, much as was our Greatest Generation, which bore the terrible burden of World War II and the Korean War.

One of the first indicators of the impact of these wars on this nation will be who these young citizens and leaders choose as their role models and heroes. The history of the United States tells us true role models should display great integrity and a willingness to serve their nation, communities, and fellow citizens. They also should be self-confident but maintain a humble and grateful spirit. Most important, they should be people who act on their convictions. 

I can think of no finer role models than our patriots in the volunteer force. As the president stated recently on board the USS Abraham Lincoln, “When I look at the members of the United States military, I see the best of our country. ... All of you, all in this generation of our military, have taken up the highest calling of history. You are defending your country and protecting the innocent from harm.”

There are thousands in the Guard, Reserve, and active duty forces whose stories need to be told and who need to be thanked and recognized for their inspiring examples. As our troops begin to return home, I urge all of you to make it a top priority to find ways to encourage them and help them tell their stories in your communities. We also must help set the pace in recognizing and thanking them and their families and sustain this effort in the years ahead.

Many of you played key roles in the heroic triumphs over fascism and communism. If we now do our part to remind our communities about their responsibilities to our armed services, we will encourage and inspire this nation’s sons and daughters to continue to step forward to help defeat terrorism and ensure a better world for our children and grandchildren.