More than 50 years after the battles that liberated a small French town and claimed the lives of more than 1,000 young American soldiers, citizens said thank you with a statue to commemorate their efforts.

Tuesday, June 06, 2000

More than 50 years after the battles that liberated a small French town and claimed the lives of more than 1,000 young American soldiers, citizens said thank you with a statue to commemorate their efforts.

The life-sized bronze statue depicts four soldiers meant to represent the many who fought in one of the battles that forced the Nazis out of this small French town. The ferocious battle took many lives and left the town in ruins.

The townspeople say that the efforts of these young men are the reason they are here today and that the tribute is long overdue. They turned out in force to welcome the families of those lost that July day in 1944.

How touching a memorial and how proud the United States should be of these men, most represented now by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who gave their all to protect a town that was not theirs in a country to which they owed no allegiance.

This is the type of bravery that has been the hallmark of American soldiers since the beginning, and a reason for all of us to pause today as we contemplate what role the U.S. should play around the world.

Our battles should be chosen carefully and with the lives of our own heroes in mind. Our purposes should be as noble as those of that small infantry unit.

That is the best way for us to pay tribute to these men and all soldiers, male and female, who fight for not only their country but for small villages and families a world away.