The war in Afghanistan is about to end as reported. The U.S. and the Taliban signed a peace deal on Saturday, Feb. 29th. This has been the longest war in American history. It started a month after the attack on America on September 11th, 2001.
American troops will leave by May 21, 2021, if all goes well. We have lost 2,309 troops and 20,660 wounded at a cost of $2 trillion taxpayers dollars. But to have lost so many American lives is so sad not to mention the pain so many families have suffered.
I myself have served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era and had lost quite a few friends from my old neighbor from Queens Village who were killed in the war. So I can feel their pain. I only hope and pray we can say after such a long war that mission is finally accomplished. In closing may God bless these families that gave their children for America and the Afghan people who were fighting for freedom.
Let me also point out that many veterans who will be returning home, some of which will be in pain form the war. If you know such persons, offer your help if you can, even if it is only kind words of thanks for a job well done. Remember this: You can save the world with one act of kindness at a time.
Frederick R. Bedell Jr.
Mineola
