During the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, it became necessary for the Allies to secure the town of Bastogne, France in order to deny the Germans access to the harbors of Belgium. The anchors for the defense were the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions as seen in the Mini-Series 'Band of Brothers'. During the fight they found themselves cut off from the rest of the army and became completely surrounded. Their existence was very much in doubt! They became known as the 'Battered Bastards of Bastogne'.

     But, these brave men had a secret weapon they would have to deploy. Their own indomitable spirit! Their 'Never-Say-Die' attitude! From the top of command to the bottom they were determined to do their duty at all costs! Even their own lives! When their acting commander Brigadier General McAuliffe was confronted with a surrender demand from the German commander he replied in one word...."NUTS". For over seven days they held out, dug in, while the Germans threw everything they had at them. These men never gave up! Even when elements of General Patton's Army broke through to relieve them, many would never agree to that necessity.  

     It was because of the bravery of these men that World War II was not prolonged or possibly lost by denying the enemy these valuable ports. Even while surrounded their first thoughts were duty before life! Honor before retreat! There was only one choice.....FIGHT!

    It is my opinion we are faced with just such an occurrence in America today. Those things which have made us strong as a nation, have come under attack from all sides. Our faith, our freedom, our finances are all surrounded by those who would bring us down. Even some who walked by our side have seemingly joined the other side. Many we call 'brothers-in-arms' want to negotiate peace and compromise with those who seek to destroy this nation. .....This can not be!!!!

     We need a renewal of that same spirit that carried those brave soldiers in Bastogne. Though we may fail miserably. Let it not be for lack of effort. Though we may lose all, let those who come after us build on our broken hopes and dreams. Maybe they will be able to rebuild what we could not save. But, let us try! Because if we do not try, we can not DO!!! I realize we are nearing the point of hopelessness but with His help and His spirit indwelling within us perhaps in some way we might be able to break through the encircling hordes and bring freedom again to this beleaguered land!