RFK's Words and Some Thoughts of One's Own

The 60s were disturbing, turbulent years.

One solace we have in the world are words given to comfort, or to move us uncomfortably ahead, words spoken simply and eloquently, given in heartfelt depths of sincerity, to bind up our brokenness, and to give us courage.

To you who speak from a lectern, a pulpit or a dais - speak comfort to us, give harsh admonishment, but give us hope.

Tell us the hard things. That this battle is not yet won. That as we would look homeward for the angel of our own well-being, remember too that the Iraqi looks homeward for his peace.

And we are there for that peace, not for conquest do we stay, not for gold, riches, or oil .

But for Freedom! For all Peoples, do we stay!

For the countless number of unclaimed dead in Saddam's mass graves, do we stay! For them to be uncovered and revealed in a Day of Peace that was not theirs - but shall be for their children's children - do we stay!

We stay to complete Our Mission, and the Mission of Our Brethren and Sisters in the Field!

For when we stand where they have fallen, we stand on hallowed ground.

And we will not early abandon the hope that is theirs that they shall not have died in vain.

For this cause have they gone into the World.
Not to conquer.
But to lift the hands that hang,
to bind up the wounded heart,
to care for the widowed and their child
for those who have born the burden of this conflict,
both here at home
and there among those
Our
Iraqi brothers.

We have a hard work ahead.

God give us Grace
And Strength to not Shrink
In these days to come!