Editorial: For their country …

Monday, May 28, 2007 | 6:07 a.m.

The May 12 ambush of a U.S. Army squad in Iraq makes tragically clear why we honor our country's fallen soldiers, particularly on this day, Memorial Day.

Reading war correspondents' accounts of the ambush allows a better understanding of what all members of the U.S. forces have endured in wars throughout our history.

Always, we have been blessed with men and women willing to step forward and put themselves in harm's way to preserve and safeguard our nation. Today we have U.S. forces serving the world over, primarily in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their bravery, heroism and sacrifices are in the tradition of those who have served and fallen in all our past wars.

As they honor us with their service, we must honor them with our hearts and our minds, and that begins with understanding what they risk every day.

The ambush of the Army squad, members of the 10th Mountain Division, provides insight into the dangers faced by our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

On night patrol 12 miles south of Baghdad, the squad was guarding against insurgents who plant roadside bombs. A burst of rocket-propelled grenades killed four of the soldiers, including the squad leader, 23-year-old Sgt. Anthony J. Schober of Reno, who was on his third tour of duty in Iraq. Three other soldiers were taken captive.

Almost immediately, 4,000 U.S, soldiers mobilized to search for the three. On Wednesday The New York Times reported what happened to one group of searchers.

A homemade land mine exploded under Sgt. Justin D. Wisniewski, 22, of Standish, Mich., a winner of the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He was killed instantly, and several of his buddies were wounded.

Roadside bombs, land mines, snipers, grenade attacks, capture - this is what our forces face each day in Afghanistan and Iraq. For us to truly honor our fallen troops, we must take the time to comprehend the kind of courage and sense of duty they possessed, the kind that moved them to leave their families behind and put themselves in such danger for their country.