I remember all the patriotic merchandise that hit the stores immediately after the attacks on 9/11. There is one particular message I remember – a statement written over an American flag – “These colors won’t run.” Now here we are five-plus years later and some people are ready to do just that – tuck tail and run.

I do not understand the current mentality of wanting to pull out of Iraq. The job is not done yet. If this country were to pull out now, the next attack on America would be far worse than the last.

To quote President Abraham Lincoln, “Congressmen who willfully take actions during wartime that damage morale and undermine the military are saboteurs and should be arrested, exiled or hanged.”

My husband is serving in Iraq, and even though I’d rather have him home, I do not begrudge him, the military or the president for his being there now. We both knew when he signed on with the National Guard that it was almost a guarantee he would be deployed. We are not sorry for that. I’m very proud of the work he and his unit are doing there, and I’m even more proud for the stand they’re willing to take for liberty.

I’ve yet to hear a really good reason for pulling the troops early.

If more people would quit listening to the naysayers, perhaps our soldiers could come home in due time – heroically and victoriously, the way they deserve.

Megean Eggert, Dixfield