This one ran on NPR Christmas Day, 2001. America had soldiers in harm’s way in Afghanistan. Flags were flying across the country; President Bush had an 88 percent approval rating; and many of us felt a renewed sense of communal affection.

It was also a time of reflection for many baby boomers, me included. It stimulated a mixed bag of mail.

EMPTY PLACES AT THE CHRISTMAS TABLE

This Christmas, I am filled with a deep sense of respect for my father and brother, Grandpa Tommy, Thurman, Wayne, Foxy, Clovis, Pinto, Jim, Danny, and their thousands and thousands of comrades who have gone to war.

This holiday season, as in too many in our lifetime, there will be empty places around the Yuletide table for sons and daughters in the service of our country.

In my mind, soldiers—perhaps because I never was one— hold a mystical image: knights, rifles, battered banners, gun smoke, charging horses, tanks, glory, honor, and courage.

Vietnam was my war. I was never drafted, I didn’t volunteer. I regret it. During that time I held Jane Fonda and the deserters to Canada in contempt. Yet, was I any better than they if I never served?

Since September 11, there has been a significant reversal in the attitude of the public toward our soldiers. From a suspicious, distanced acceptance to an almost gushing admiration. It is easy to have an impersonal relationship with “the military” if you think of them as professional robots in uniform. But when we see our family, friends, and neighbors’ kids enlisting, we remember that ours is an army of everyday citizens serving for a short time, doing their duty. And that they will be back, most of them, and we will be better off because they went.

I grew up in the era of war protesters; I see them appearing now, still receiving lots of media attention. I guess it’s a good thing, in a way. They can be a barometer of the battle. Because they’ll always have the right to protest . . . as long as we are winning.

Patriotism is a personal realization that there is a greater calling than your own self-interest. Divisive and bickering as we can be among ourselves, when our family is threatened, we can be a fearsome foe.

This new war is different. We are fighting ruthless back-shooters, and they have our children in their crosshairs. It is hard to be blasé when you see soldiers with automatic weapons on the concourse at the Kansas City Airport.

Our government’s response has been swift and massive with the overwhelming support of Americans. I have no doubt we will prevail.

I hope and pray that our knights in armor will slay the terrorist dragon and return victorious to sit with us at the Christmas table very soon.

Go git ’em, doughboys. Yo mama, Osama! I wish I could go with ya.