Farewells and Homecomings

It doesn't get easier, and hopefully, it never will.

We speak of watching those poignant images that appear in the news every so often of soldiers going off to war. It happened again recently when the 142nd Military Intelligence Battalion of the Utah National Guard began a 12-month deployment. For some in the unit, it is their first deployment, while for others, we're told, it could be a third or even a fourth tour of duty.

And so it goes with this war that began more than six years ago when America came under attack and the Twin Towers came down.

For many American families, including hundreds here in Utah, the lingering conflict has been accentuated by farewells and homecomings. Husbands hugging wives; bewildered children looking on; families separated for a time, not knowing for sure when or even if they'll be reunited.

As with all wars, some sadly don't make it back.

But, most do, and when they do, society cherishes the images of joyous reunions. And so the cycle continues, again and again and again.

In KSL's view, observers of this process must never become complacent about what they're seeing, while those directly affected need to know how grateful the rest of us are for the sacrifices they're making.