An Open Letter in Support of America's Armed Forces
Signers: 11885
To America's Armed Forces:
Millions of your countrymen back home just enjoyed Christmas and New Year celebrations in peace because you are willing to stand in harm's way in places far away. But the new year is upon us and with it will come a political assault on your efforts to combat the global threat of terrorism.
Since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, you have been deployed around the world and have demonstrated that you can win both the war against global terrorism, and the peace in formerly inhospitable places like Iraq and Afghanistan.
The effects of the liberation you won in Iraq and Afghanistan are reverberating throughout the region: The Saudis will hold municipal elections. ...Qatar is reforming education to give more choices to parents. ...Jordan is accelerating market economic reforms. ...The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded for the first time to an Iranian -- a Muslim woman who speaks out with courage for human rights, for democracy and for peace.
When we examine the events of the world today, the words of George Washington's First Inaugural Address ring strangely true: "The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the republican model of government, are justly considered deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." And now the preservation of that sacred fire is passed on to Iraqis, Afghanis, and others, thanks to your faithful defense of the Republic.
You -- the American Soldier, Sailor, Airman and Marine -- have had no small part in these events, and for this we offer our heartfelt thanks.
Signed,