The cost of freedom is high

The brutal reality of war has now visited the people of Thousand Oaks.

One of our own, 20-year-old Anthony C. Melia, has given his life in service to our country.

Words seem pitifully inadequate, but we offer our sympathy and express our sorrow to Melia's family and friends.

He obviously loved America and our way of life. He looked for and found a way to serve our country, but it wasn't just a sense of duty that took Melia to Iraq. He believed in the war. He saw cruelty and fought to stop it.

For these reasons, he gave his life.

It's far too easy for Americans to become detached and callous about the Iraq war.

Iraq is, after all, halfway around the world.

Unless you have a friend or relative serving there, it's easy to shrug your shoulders and turn away.

Because of Anthony Melia, the war now seems somehow closer to home, and it matters not if you're a staunch supporter or an outspoken critic: Everyone can agree that the price is dear when young men and women give their lives and limbs in defense of freedom.

He has paid the ultimate price for his commitment, sacrifice and love of country.

In doing so, Melia brings honor to all of us.