Some times, you wonder so much what to say that you miss what is staring you in the face.
I have realized for some days now that I have only written one message to the brave men and women in the armed forces through this conflict with Iraq.
I will begin this message by telling you I do not blame you for not buying our rhetoric. Trust me, I know what we have done to this world.
The common practice is to criticize and criticize some more. This is what we have left you young people.
For my part, I am sorry. For a good part, I was a very good cynic. It is only now that I come to the end of my life that I wonder what happened to the optimist I used to be in life.
However, I understand that if you read here that I-even though I do not know you- have a lot of love and admiration for you that many of you may not believe it.
Regardless, I can tell all of you in the American military, who wonder about your critics, you should know that no one has the right to criticize the ones of you that have fought with honor.
Where are your critics? Are they in their studies hammering away at their keyboards?
Well you where called and you answered. No one has been on the battlefield but you. Many of you have done America proud.
I have been fortunate in life to meet a decent and nice person in life. She is a great human being. I love her so much that I am always worried about her.
Because you do your service with honor, I know she is fine. I met her when she was about same age as many of you. She was nineteen.
That is the first thing that strikes me the most. Many of you guys are just so young. Yet, you humble many of us.
One of my biggest problems with the modern world is how easily we take meaning away from everything.
No one has the right to take away the value of your service. The news media does not like the president and they want to help the Democratic Party tackle the republicans.
I do not even think that there is true Republican Party any more. However, this is not about politics.
I just wanted to take some time out and tell you American soldiers what I think.
In war, unfortunately there are casualties. To me you are all great American heroes.
Thank you all for your sacrifice and service. It is my great hope that you know that when you step on American soil you will return as people of distinction and honor.
I live in a world where every one is afraid to do anything.
Regardless of your personal spirit, you stood up, walked on the battlefield, and put your body between the enemy and us.
We are indebted to you.
Even though we live in a world where words are just words, I hope you will accept my humble thanks.
Thank you who are serving. Thank you to the families whom we have imposed on. Thank you to those of you who gave your lives.