We interrupt the Mom rhapsody to remind myself of the person who still exists somewhere under the diaper-changing diva I've become...

 *

Today, it is three years, eight months and nine days since 9-11.

And we are still at war in Iraq, with nothing resembling a lasting peace or victory in sight.

To put this in perspective, think on this:

Victory in Japan Day was three years, eight months and nine days after Pearl Harbor.

"Those [American] principles provide the faith, the hope, and the opportunity which help men to improve themselves and their lot. Liberty does not make all men perfect nor all society secure. But it has provided more solid progress and happiness and decency for more people than any other philosophy of government in history.

[...]

Victory always has its burdens and its responsibilities as well as its rejoicing.

But we face the future and all its dangers with great confidence and great hope. America can build for itself a future of employment and security. Together with the United Nations, it can build a world of peace rounded on justice, fair dealing, and tolerance."

--Harry S. Truman, speech Announcing the Surrender of Japan (September 1, 1945)