Amid all the hoopla as the mainstream press and America-haters all but celebrate the milestone of 2000 deaths in Iraq, I have seen next to nothing written about what the ultimate sacrafice of these brave troops has accomplished. Well, the liberation of 27 million is no small thing. But that’s just me talking, and I’m not there and no one in my family has given their life for a free Iraq, so who am I to say it has been worth it?

CPL Jeffrey B. Starr did go to Iraq. Three times. And did not return alive. His name was featured in the New York Times “grim milestone” piece, but oddly enough the Times chose not to include the words from a letter to CPL Starr’s girlfriend discovered when his laptop was returned to his family. Since CPL Starr gave his life in the service of his country, I will let his words speak for me on whether what we are doing in Iraq is worth the cost:

Obviously if you are reading this then I have died in Iraq. I kind of predicted this, that is why I’m writing this in November. A third time just seemed like I’m pushing my chances. I don’t regret going, everybody dies but few get to do it for something as important as freedom. It may seem confusing why we are in Iraq, it’s not to me. I’m here helping these people, so that they can live the way we live. Not have to worry about tyrants or vicious dictators. To do what they want with their lives. To me that is why I died. Others have died for my freedom, now this is my mark.

I understand that many people can’t grasp the ideals for which CPL Starr gave his life. I sometimes wish that it was not our nations place in history to be defenders of liberty. But if not us, then who? With great power, comes great responsibility. To turn our backs on tyranny and oppression would do dishonor to the generations of Americans who have died in defense of freedom throughout the world. And who can honestly dispute that a free Iraq and Afghanistan makes the world (and selfishly the U.S.) a safer place?

Rest in peace, CPL Starr. It WAS worth it.

Hat Tip: Michelle Malkin