Last Tuesday, I attended a memorial ceremony for 1st Lt. David L. Giaimo at the Memorial Union. Giaimo was killed on Aug. 12 in Tikrit, Iraq, when a land mine detonated under his vehicle. He was the first ISU graduate to make the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq while serving as a soldier on active duty.

Giaimo spent four years as a cadet at Iowa State, but I met him only a few times. The people around him enjoyed his company, he was an exceptional leader and a good soldier.

He strived to excel not only in leadership, but in physical fitness as well. It was a sad day, and his death was a loss for his family, Iowa State, the Army and the United States.

During the ceremony, I felt very proud when I heard the national anthem. I was touched when Lt. Col. Braue described Giaimo’s accomplishments, ambition and dedication. The final roll was called by Master Sgt. Jasper Edwards. He shouted, “Lt. Giaimo … Giaimo … First Lieutenant David Giaimo.” When there was no reply, “Taps” began to sound and I felt tears swelling in my eyes. Then I realized he’s in a better place now.

It wasn’t the first memorial I’ve been to; I attended several in Iraq. They are always a sad and difficult time for soldiers. As hard as they can be, a memorial serves a great purpose, a way to look back upon the great things our fallen comrade has offered. Giaimo and all of the other soldiers who have died did so courageously for the sake of American freedom. Unfortunately, these individuals will not reap the benefits of their sacrifice. It is our duty to drive on and live successful lives and cherish what liberty we have.

At every memorial, I’ve been reminded of what the people of our nation stand for. We live in a land where individuals are willing to make the sacrifice in the name of freedom. One of my fellow soldiers killed in Iraq was the mother of a little girl, while another aspired to become a drill sergeant to train and mentor new soldiers. Giaimo wanted to excel as a leader because the lives of others depended on him. All of them were true heroes.

Giaimo wasn’t the first soldier from Iowa State to fall victim to terrorism; Sgt. Robert Jason Gore was killed when his helicopter was shot down in Baghdad.

Although he was fulfilling a contract with Blackwater Security, his commitment was no less honorable. Let’s also not forget the dozens of ISU students who have served and are serving in the Middle East.

Soldiers aren’t the only heroes, either.

Here at Iowa State, students and faculty have sacrificed money, food, clothing and time to those who are suffering in the states affected by Hurricane Katrina, and corporations have donated millions of dollars. We still live in a nation of pride and commitment and it makes me proud to be an American.

In our time, we are coping with tremendous obstacles at home and in the global war on terror. Because of men and women like David Giaimo and Jason Gore, we will succeed and live on.

God Bless the U.S.A.