If someone were to ask me if I was for or against the war, I wouldn't be able to give a simple yes or no answer. As a typical peacemaker by nature, I oppose war and the horrors associated with it. However, I have learned that if you just so "oh, well" to someone's intolerable behavior, you're sending a message that you accept it. I share the feelings from Stephanie's journal entry from a couple of weeks ago. In it, she shared a couple of quotes that I want to share here:
"In Germany they came first for the Communists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist. Then they came for the Jews, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me, and by that time no one was left to speak up." ~Pastor Martin Niemoller, Lutheran Minister~
"Take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." ~Elie Wiesel~
Whether you agree with our military action in Iraq or not, we need to show our appreciation for the sacrifices that our military men and women are making. All of us want them to return home safely. Sign a virtual thank you card at the Defend America web site at http://www.defendamerica.mil/nmam.html
Add a Ribbon
Tie a Yellow Ribbon
The 1973 hit single "Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Ole Oak Tree" sung by Tony Orlando was originally based on an actual incident aboard a Southern bus. One of the passengers explained to the driver that he was just out of prison, having served three years. In a letter to his wife, the man told her she didn't have to wait for him, but if she was still interested, she could tie a yellow ribbon around the only oak tree in the city square. As the bus neared the man's Georgia hometown, the man shed tears of relief when he saw the ribbon was there.
Eight years after that song, the yellow ribbon became a symbol of loyalty to express the nation's feelings for the 52 American hostages held in Iran. It continues today as a symbol of unity and loyalty to those that are willing to defend our freedom.
