Honoring The Warriors

It was hot for a mid-November day, even for northern Virginia, as we took our seats in front of the newly built National Museum of the Marine Corps. I lifted my son onto his chair so he could stand and watch the video that was on the large screen to the right of the dais. He watched as marine recruits ran, climbed ropes and learned martial arts -- a part that was of particular interest to my seven-year-old.

We were attending the dedication of the museum. My father, who was a Marine who served in Vietnam, is a museum founder, and we were invited on his behalf. Other family friends were in attendance, as were thousands of marines, former marines and their families. It was a day of pride, of recognizing courage, of honoring the men and women of a branch of the armed forces that routinely ranks as the highest rate of casualties in the war. The marines are always the first to fight.

In front of us was Harvey Barnum, recipient of the Medal of Honor. I explained to Jonathan, after we took photographs, that he had just met a real-life Luke Skywalker or Han Solo -- only this was a real war hero. Surprisingly, Jonathan seemed to understand. A little while later, John Glenn passed right by us on his way to the dais.

The ceremony was as impressive as the museum's design. Jim Lehrer reflected on his time as a marine, including his introduction to drill instructors. Even President Bush added to the ceremony, awarding the Medal of Honor to Jason Dunham, a fallen marine from the War in Iraq.

I couldn't help but reflect during this day what heroic people were surrounding me. These weren't college buddies, or high school chums. These were men who saw battle firsthand. They were shot at, they fired back. They were sent to foreign lands to attack the enemy and they did so, with courage and with honor.

I wondered if I could ever have been one of them. Could I have survived boot camp? And if so, how would I have done when enemy soldiers fired at me?

Also, I felt anger. Young boys and girls are being sent to Iraq to fight a war that isn't right. Many of these marines are dying. It isn't their fault. They are no different than the veterans from the other wars -- wars that may have been justified. But their blood that has been spilled is not for a good cause. It's a terrible waste of heroic people.

Mostly, though, I felt grateful. It was a privilege just to be among such great men and women. The marines are truly one of a kind in the warrior class. As an American, I am grateful to each one of them. I am proud that my father served. I am honored to have been a guest at the dedication.

Thank you, USMC.