The Wessler family's Bronze Star

We had an "America, love it or leave it" sign on our fireplace. In our judgment, the antiwar protests were unpatriotic. Those demonstrating against the war should never have blamed or showed disrespect for our troops. "Support the president" was our stand. It's so similar to conservative or right-wing attitudes today.

In March 1969, the Marines knocked on our door. They had a Bronze Star and all of my brother Dan's remains they could recover. "Where would you like them sent?"

Years later, we learned the Vietnam War was all based on lies, theories and bad intelligence. More than 58,000 died (that's just the Americans), and there was nothing to be lost or gained by the conflict. That's learning the hard way that maybe America can be wrong.

In Vietnam, we learned that other nations can be just as strong and determined if our cause is not just or our mission not clear.

Be that as it may, in August 1974, had the war still been raging, I would have joined the Marines, like my brother. And at 18, I would have killed them all. Killing begets killing. Bronze Star recipient John Kerry knows this. It's why our troops will continue to be targets as long as they are in Iraq.

How many more Bronze Stars before we learn that every one of these numbers is a family? The hard lesson the Wessler family learned is in our daily thoughts forever. Unlike 1969 war opponents, those opposed to this war have every respect for our troops and feel their pain and that of their families.

The Bush supporters need to ask themselves honestly whether Iraq was a great enough threat to our safety to give their children to it. Or perhaps ask instead: On lies and bad intelligence, would you trade that child for a Bronze Star?