He is our brother

Oliver North:

Kuwait City International Airport: The sun was setting as six camouflage-clad pallbearers reverently carried the flag-draped coffin down the ramp of the C-130. At the command of the pilot who had flown the Angel Flight, an honor guard of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardsmen and Marines drawn up in two ranks on either side of the ramp saluted the fallen Marine captain.

"Where did this detail come from?" I asked Staff Sgt. Kevin Buckley, who had come to pick us up on the tarmac.

"From all over the base, sir," the soldier replied. "We do it for every Angel Flight. The same thing will happen when he arrives in the states, even if it's Christmas. He's our brother."

"He's our brother." What an eloquent statement about those who have fallen in this war. No press, no cameras -- just a simple, moving ceremony honoring one of America's fallen heroes. As Americans celebrate the birth of the Son of God this week, they should pause to thank Him for giving us men and women willing to make such sacrifices. They are America's greatest Christmas gift.

This is called respect. It is too bad it is such a rare commodity these days.