Last night my teenage daughter came home from college to visit for the weekend.
She is studying dance, her dream was to be a dancer on Broadway. New York was like a second home to her.
She is sad a frightened not only by what has happened but also by what is going to happen.
A number of her friends are already signing up to join the armed forces. They are 18 and 19 years old, she is afraid for their lives.

Do I think they should not go? No, I realize we have to do whatever it takes to stop this madness and punish those involved.

What I do think is there should never have been a reason why they should need to go.
And I pray they will return.

To Frank and her Daughter:
My son is in his first year at the Air Force Academy. It has been his dream for years, and he is living it. As long ago as last Memorial Day, I realized that his dream of flying for the US Air Force may one day put me in the position where I must stand on Memorial Day when they ask at church, "Who has lost a family member in the armed forces?" Very scary for a mom thinking about her oldest son.

BUT: I know that I know that I know that this is what he truly wants, not just from some need to "do" something or as a way to cope with grief and anger. And I know that I am proud of him no matter what. I urge you, Frank's daughter and other young people, to be proud of those who can and will enlist and serve to be a part of protecting this country and others around the world from this threat of terrorism, and from other threats to world peace as well. In the mean time, if it is not your inclination to serve then follow YOUR dream. Dance, young lady. Dance and dance the very best that you can, for you live in a country where you have the freedom to follow your dreams.