Our nation is at war. We have been at war since we were attacked almost five years ago, on September 11, 2001. This war against terrorism is hotter than the Cold War and will probably last for a generation.

Many Americans are not directly affected by the war. Many go about their business as usual, fussing about crime and gasoline prices, anticipating summer vacations and who will win the NBA Championship. However, if you have a loved one in Afghanistan or Iraq, you think about the war all the time. Almost every week I receive an e-mail from one of our troops in a war zone. One of these men, a young officer, was home on leave recently. When he returned he sent me this note -

“I really felt honored when you had me to stand up in church. It’s great to know how much people back there support…