The Prism of War

June 5, 2002

by Robert Yoho

Throughout our history, war has been a constant. War is a condition that changes people and nations. The United States of America was conceived in war. It has also defined so much of our national character.

We often see ourselves through the prism of war. So much of what we are and how we regard ourselves as a nation have been determined by war and its eventual outcome.

As the smoke dissipated from the fields of Yorktown, a new republic emerged from the aftermath. Uncle Sam was born that day. From the moment he drew his first breath, he was young and brash -- almost cocky. But why shouldn’t he have been? A land of peasants and noblemen had dared to defy an empire. Not only had they defied King George; they also soundly defeated his experienced troops on the battlefield.

Nobody could have predicted it. Nobody gave America a chance. But the United States has always been a nation accustomed to doing the impossible.

The War Between the States gave witness to a nation torn asunder over the issue of slavery. It was a war of brother against brother, friend against friend, and father against son. Promising young generals were forced to take up arms against their former classmates. Young men of honor were compelled to choose between their love of country and defense of their homes and property. Geographically and demographically, the landscape was forever changed by war. It has been estimated that one-quarter of our male population under the age of 25 were killed in the carnage.

Following our victories in World Wars I and II, America became a country that was bold, energetic, and determined. A "sleeping giant" was awakened at Pearl Harbor. America declared war. We endured the setbacks; we overcame the obstacles; we emerged victorious. The same might that we displayed in the battlefield and in our factories supporting the war effort was unleashed on the world, transforming our county into an industrial giant.

After the protests and opposition to Vietnam, war became the prism through which we saw our country again. A generation was forever changed by Vietnam. We became a self-loathing people, burdened with doubt. We began to mistrust our government and turned inward. It would be many years before 50,000 names engraved on a black stone wall could heal the wounds we experienced there.

Even the space race was a war. The United States and the Soviet Union were in a battle for dominance of space and technology. We successfully landed on the moon. Then there was the arms race—we won that battle too! The Soviet Union dissolved; the Berlin War came down. America reigned alone.

On September 11th, America was once again altered by an act of war. Our young people, many of whom have no memory of Vietnam, see life through the prism of that day. War changed them. They know our nation is not invulnerable from attack. They know that life can change -- or end -- in a heartbeat. For possibly the first time, they realize that there are serious matters of state that require the attention of our leaders.

Nobody saw it coming. No one could have accurately predicted the events of that dark and terrible Tuesday. Once again, Americans concerned with little more than laughs and leisure became a nation of warriors. The citizens of the United States refused to surrender in the face of atrocity. Our buildings were toppled, but our spirits weren’t. A nation that had never been satisfied with defeat gloriously rose from the ashes of New York City and Washington.

Osama bin Laden and his minions were overwhelmingly crushed and are currently on the run. He joined the ranks of the tyrants who underestimated that brash young nation, borne in the blood and smoke of a revolution.

War is always a terrible and bitter thing, but sometimes it is necessary. But war has been the thing that gave us birth, sustained us, and gave us our uniquely American culture. While some may still despise the military, we owe them our gratitude. Their successes are responsible for our nation’s unparalleled wealth and our continued freedom.

America was conceived in war. We have expanded by it. Our opinions about our country are formed by it. We see the world though it. Our allies count on us because of it. Moreover, our enemies despise us for it.

The threats are still out there, but we will face them boldly and ultimately overcome. America can do no less! Historically, we have been a nation of victors. For we are a nation that sees itself through the prism of war.