The Middlebury Campus

Issue date: 1/27/05 Section: Local News

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Most of the general American public seems extremely removed from the ongoing war in Iraq. The sense of urgency to "protect our troops" and "not shed blood for oil" seem like cries from the past and now the reminisce of these slogans can be seen covered in snow on the bumpers of cars driving up and down Rt. 7. Even President George W. Bush, in his inauguration speech last Thursday, Jan. 20, 2005, who encouraged the young American population to "believe the evidence of your eyes. You have seen duty and allegiance in the determined faces of our soldiers. You have seen that life is fragile, and evil is real, and courage triumphs. Make the choice to serve in a cause larger than your wants, larger than yourself - and in your days you will add not just to the wealth of our country, but to its character." Yet he forgot to mention the continued efforts of American troops who are still fighting a seemingly endless battle in Iraq.

Here in Vermont, however, it is hard to forget that we are fighting a war across the Atlantic, especially after Wednesday's deployment of another 330 soldiers and 45 senior officers. Of the 330 Vermont National Guards deployed to Iraq last Wednesday, all of the soldiers are men, the youngest age 18. Among them there are 160 officers who are married and 190 who have children who will be anxiously waiting for them at home. There are 18 college students in the group - 14 of whom go to Norwich University.

On Wednesday morning, 3100 family and friends gathered at the pavilion in the Champlain Valley Exposition to bid the soldiers adieu. The soldiers stood in their ranks while tear-filled family members gave goodbye hugs. The ceremony commenced at 8:00 a.m. and the soldiers and their families were provided words of encouragement and support from many local Vermont leaders. Governor Jim Douglas '72 was one of many to relay a message to the departing soldiers - "I must admit it's never easy, perhaps impossible, to find the perfect words to describe our state's gratitude for your service and the heartfelt commitment that we have to you and your families. I've said at previous send-offs that all of Vermont will stand with you and your comrades. I've said before that we're all proud that you'll bring Vermont's virtues and values to a place in the world that needs them now more than ever."

Continued...

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