In case you haven't heard, there's a joyous noise coming from Fort Stewart lately. That's because thousands of 3rd Infantry Division troops are coming home after their most recent deployment in Iraq.

But while we should be thankful for their safe return, let's also remember that not all those who left Fort Stewart just 15 short months ago are returning alive. Too many men and women from the 3rd ID have paid the ultimate price along with some 4,000 other American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

You can argue all you want about whether or not the invasion of Iraq and subsequent five year war is worth their sacrifice - and as we get ever closer to the presidential election that will no doubt be the case - yet we should not lose sight of the bravery and heroism of those doing the heavy lifting while much of the civilian population seems to prefer to worry about other matters. The real truth is, by choosing to serve at this time in our nation's history those in our military have laid their claim to being among the greatest of American generations. For that and for so much more they deserve our thanks and our respect.

Welcome home, troops.