Wounded Warriors with Principle
This is to invite our readers’ input as to whether or not the study of character would be enriched by interviewing today’s military heroes. Just as Politics with Principle successfully analyzed good character in ten virtuous politicians, a study of ten virtuous military warriors, men and women who have defended our nation since September 11, 2001 might also contribute to a better understanding of character.
In Warriors with Principle, I intend to target a more youthful audience of readers (ages 16 to 30) by sharing with them the stories of their peers who have served and paid a great price for their loyalty to God and country. I will interview military men and women of varied racial backgrounds. I believe civilian contemporaries of these wounded warriors—and all other Americans, for that matter—will want to know how our young military heroes acquired virtue, how they handled adversity under the stress of battle, and how they now call upon their virtue while they spend months in rehabilitation. Hopefully, these young heroes will be willing to share their stories with all of us.
Much of the focus of my generation was on the My Lai massacre. My fellow college students not only protested against the War in Vietnam, but, unfortunately, also protested against the warriors who fought there. Today the mainstream media continues its anti-war position by feasting upon abuses like Abu Graib and slanting their war coverage, but their view is now balanced by coverage on cable TV and the Internet. As a result, the present generation, while exercising their right to protest our military involvement in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya and Yemen, are a wiser generation, they do not protest against their peers who are warriors.
By inquiring into the personal and professional value systems of these young and virtuous wounded warriors, I believe we all can discover why these young Americans rose above their narrow self-interest and were willing to sacrifice life and limb for America’s common good.
As the Character Building Project explores how best to tell the story of our nation’s wounded warriors who placed duty to country first, we invite your comments and suggestions.
Mike, Good idea to look at these young peoples character. Too often we think of only the mature (old) as having virtue. I also will tell you that there are many military warriors (not classifed as wounded) that have virtue stories to be told and read as great examples. The wounded have the battle of keeping the faith that had to be part of them before they were wounded. Severly wounded, keep your faith and virtue – what a challenge. Character of a special brand I think.
Dick,Thank for adding your comment to our project. I had not thought of character of a special brand but thanks to you, I will give that further thought.Mike