Dith Pran was a Cambodian translator for American journalists during the Vietnam War in
the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh. He is the one who coined the term "The Killing Fields". He was diagnosed 3 months ago with pancreatic cancer. Here is Pran talking about US troops bombing enemy targets:
' "If you didn't think about the danger, it looked like a performance," he said. "It was beautiful, like fireworks. War is beautiful if you don't get killed. But because you know it's going to kill, it's no longer beautiful." '
That quote really hit me hard, especially in light of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and also becuse i just got home from seeing the film, "Stop-Loss", which is about, "Decorated Iraq war hero Sgt. Brandon King who makes a celebrated return to his small Texas hometown following his tour of duty. He tries to resume the life he left behind. Then, against Brandon’s will, the Army orders him back to duty in Iraq, which upends his world. The conflict tests everything he believes in: the bond of family, the loyalty of friendship, the limits of love and the value of honor." Pran's words echo ever so deeply today in me especially since i just received an email that my 20 year old cousin is now in Iraq. i am saddened and sickened even more now that i have a personal connection for the first time since this senseless war began.
Such a sad moment. God, please comfort Pran's surviving family and friends as they learn to cope without Pran. Amen.
