On May 1, 2011, the free world applauded as Osama bin Laden’s death was announced. The U.S. Navy’s SEAL Team Six had stormed his compound, killing the terrorist leader who had taunted America in video and audio recordings from secret locations since the 9/11 attacks.
On August 6, 2011, one year ago today, 31 members of U.S. special forces were killed as their Chinook transport helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan’s Wardak province. Some of those killed in this tragedy were part of SEAL Team Six, all those killed were heroes.
When the nation learned that SEAL Team Six had killed bin Laden, chants of “USA! USA! USA!” arose in the streets, and on the anniversary of that day we again celebrated bin Laden’s demise. Today we need to remember that our special forces are doing their job whether people are chanting for them or not. And at times, as on August 6, 2011, they are paying a high price for our freedom.
God bless our troops in harm’s way. God bless their families. May we never forget their sacrifice.