So many times, the word hero is thrown around when it might not exactly fit the situation. In most cases, we are assured that using hero or heroic defines the action of a person.

That word, however, precisely identifies New Iberia native U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Williamson, who was killed one week ago today in southern Afghanistan.

No matter what one’s view about the war in Afghanistan, Williamson was one of many brave soldiers who cared not about the politics but believed in the nation he deemed worthy enough to fight for, even to his own death.

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Williamson is one of the latest casualties to be counted in a war that doesn’t really have borders, although he was fighting in southern Afghanistan. He joined up a few years ago, knowing full well that it was almost certain he would be deployed to the Middle East. He volunteered knowing that he could be put in dangerous situations. His desire was not to fight the battle at home, but to be part of a larger, more intense action to keep safer the patch of Earth we call home.

There are no words to comfort Buddy and Sybil Williamson for the loss of their son. Any parent would certainly want to sway their child away from danger. That probably was the feeling the Williamsons had when their son first told them he was seriously thinking about joining the Army, yet they would not discourage Patrick, they supported him. When Patrick went to basic training, the prayers of his family likely intensified. When he was to deploy over the summer, I’m sure they were stronger and more earnest still.

As fellow citizens of this country and travelers in this life, we can only thank them for the sacrifice they have made in supporting their son’s decision to become part of the force that keeps us safe.

However meager our appreciation might be, we might also encourage them that there will be a time when they will see Patrick again. Until then, he and the sacrifice he made should not be forgotten.

JEFF ZERINGUE

MANAGING EDITOR