Dear Editor,

I wonder how many people remember how they felt on 9/11.

I can tell you there are some that remember. I worked with them in Iraq. That day, every American knew all of us were under attack; but who would stand up and fight back? Who among us would stand and say, “I may die, I may become different or injured but I believe in all that this country stands for so much that I’m willing to fight and die if need be, IT IS WORTH IT.”

As a nation we are so fortunate to have these individuals; many have fought and sadly many have died so that a stranger may know the meaning of freedom.

So that they may know it was not in vain, I tell you this story: as I was leaving Iraq, I ran into an interpreter I had worked with in Anbar — the “triangle of death.” He was excited and thrilled he had received his papers to come to the United States. He told me he had joined the U.S. Marines as soon as he had received his papers.

I asked: why?

He said, “America is the greatest country in the world. I want to meet the Mothers and Fathers who have sent their children to fight and die for the freedom of a stranger. I will fight for them and Love their country and now my country until the day I die.”

It is because of those willing to stand that individuals like this Have a reason for HOPE. Throughout our history, we have had individuals that were willing and did stand up and say ‘I will fight for all that is right and just. I will not quit.’

On this Memorial Day, let us remember what a precious gift they have given all of us.

Ron Neal

Ellerbe