Local Louisiana National Guard soldiers will leave home today as their unit deploys to Afghanistan to join the world’s war on terrorism.

Perhaps it’s fitting that their departure occurs just two days ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

It is through our nation’s voluntary military that our world has remained relatively safe in the decade following 9/11. The nation has become so safe in fact that we run the risk of letting our guard’s down if we’re not careful.

But sobering realization that members of our community will head overseas soon is a crystal clear reminder that the war on terror is not over.

Even with the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden earlier this year, Afghanistan is still not a friendly environment. It’s a war zone, and Americans are targeted there.

Concordia Parish honored the soldiers who are headed to fight for our freedom on Tuesday with a reception.

From a distance, we look and see a soldier, but for family members who know and love them, those soldiers may fill the roles of son or daughter, husband or wife and mommy or daddy.

It’s an emotional time for those soldiers and their families.

Our community is extremely grateful for these soldiers and for their service to our country. We as a community stand ready to support each of them with thoughts and prayers in the coming days and months ahead. God bless.