In October of 2002, after hearing
all the nay-sayers whining about going to war to fight against terrorism,
(and to protect our interests and defend our allies) I wondered; how exactly
do we defend and maintain our freedom then? If not by the violent
destruction of those who would threaten us, then by what means? There comes
a time when even peace loving people have to fight.
It seemed to me that far too many
of us had forgotten the real issue in all of this - the people. More
precisely, the American people - our Founding Fathers, our veterans, our
military, our civil servants and even regular folk - those who have died or
could die in the service of this country - in establishing, protecting and
maintaining our freedom. If this isn't enough of a reason to go anywhere to
fight anyone - to preserve the American way of life - then what is there
left on this earth that matters at all? God help us!
I made 'Blood of Heroes' to remind
people that everything we enjoy in America today is the result of someone's
sacrifice, that it is constantly threatened - and that it is still worth
fighting for. Not a lighthearted thought, indeed.
Hopefully, this site will remind us
all of the human cost that has been paid for our freedom, our safety and our
luxury. A price paid not just so you and I can vote and pray, but also so we
can sit on the couch, watching TV, having 30 minute pizzas delivered to our
doors. Even if you don't vote or pray, there is still plenty left worth
fighting for. Think about that.
With all the invective about "blood
for oil", we are not only justified in going to war - we were obligated to
do it - and to do it in every place on this earth that ever poses a threat
to the American way of life. It isn't blood for oil. It's blood for freedom
- the blood of our heroes. We owe it to them... and we owe it to our
children. Period.
We are lucky to live in the United
States of America - and this privilege didn't come cheap.
Our Founding Fathers were not
cowards. They made immense sacrifices to establish this Great Nation in
freedom - not the least of which was going to war with the enemy of that
freedom. All of those who have fought in the subsequent wars and conflicts
and those who are fighting today have continued to make sacrifices in order
to defend those original ideals. Even now, our civil servants, particularly
Firefighters and Police, are making sacrifices to maintain the quality of
our lives in this freedom.
If you are not willing to do
everything in your power to defend this Great Nation, even taking up arms if
it is necessary, then who will? If you will not defend America, that is your
choice - but sit in silence and do not criticize those brave and valiant
individuals who have the sense of duty, the measure of courage and the
determination of heart to protect America... and, I might add, your cowardly
soul.
Some have written with criticism.
One person said they thought that including the photo of the woman falling
from the building was in poor taste. Well, I am sorry you feel that way, but
reality isn't always pretty. That woman really did jump - and so did
hundreds of others.
Yes, the photos are offensive - not
because they are graphic in nature - but because of what they represent.
None of them are even close, visually speaking, to the level of violence on
any major network during prime time. When I hear people make this charge,
what I really hear them saying is 'I can't handle reality, I need to be in
denial.' Well fine then, go back to sleep Virginia. Brave men will protect
you. Just stop criticizing them for doing it the only way they know how,
even if it is ugly.
Some people would have us forget
that a heavy price has been paid so that we can live in comfort and
security, barely even noticing the reality of the world around us. But that
privilege didn't just fall out of a box - it was established in blood. The
fact that you are comfortable is no reason to take it for granted. On
September 11, 2001 - taking it for granted was no longer an option.
I am sorry if you feel that the
depiction of actual events should be watered down into some kind of a
Hallmark Card event, just so you can feel more comfortable. That kind of
logic dictates that we may as well forget the whole thing. Sorry, not here.
Not now. Not ever! If we cannot remember this for what it really is, then
why remember it at all?
I dare not take any real credit for
this presentation. After all, it is only significant because of what it
showcases. All I did was take someone else's photos, someone else's quotes
and someone else's music and put it all together to try and remind us all of
something we should never forget anyway.
The email link is not here for my
benefit, but only because I would hate to miss the opportunity to share this
with even more people. Many viewers have contacted me through email to ask
if they could have a copy to show at gatherings for emergency and military
personnel, in their churches and at their schools. That is a huge blessing
to me as it means even more people will be reminded.
I hope you will take a few moments to reflect on what we have and who paid
for it. Look up and thank God that you live free in a nation that is blessed
by Him and defended by heroes.
Remember The Blood Of Heroes
