Time recognizes the American Soldier.
Weekly news magazine Time selects the American Soldier for its Person of the Year. (*) Formerly named “Man of the Year,” it highlights an important newsmaker, particularly one with a significant impact that year. Technically speaking, it is not an award. Some villains have been Man of the Year. (†) Most of the selectees have been positive figures, however.
There is no question that the American military deserves to be named. Thanks to the American military fighting alongside coalition partners, Saddam Hussein was ejected from power and captured, Iraq was liberated, and steps were taken toward the rebuilding of that great country.
American servicemen and women do deserve an award for their distinctive valor, especially in 2003. To begin to award their virtues in the field, we should live up to our promises to veterans. We should also create a national memorial to all of the troops who fought Saddam.
Marines often prefer the term troops to soldiers, but I hope they and all members of the armed forces see themselves as part of the selection for Person of the Year, as they rightfully are.