Upon watching the images of many Iraqi people exulting in the streets of the once-oppressed and now chaotic but free Iraq, it seems hard to fathom that the heart of even the staunchest opponent of this war would not feel the slightest surge of American pride. And this American pride — real American pride — is not a mere jingoistic self-love.

On the contrary, it is a humble, yet confident pride borne of the securing of precious liberty for fellow humans. It is a nationally transcendent pride that expresses gratitude for the American blood, as well as that of the British and Iraqi civilians, that has been sacrificed so that others might be free, for there is no greater gift amongst men than to lay one's life down for another.

Even the leader of French President Jacques Chirac's party, the Union for a Popular Movement, said that the American and British forces should be honored for their great courage.

Such praise should not be bestowed superficially, and perhaps certain figures would do well to own up to their true colors. Many who opposed the war have strong principles upon which their opposition is based. Whether or not they have right opinion, many of these pacifists and others are at least sincere in their convictions.

Others are not so candid.

Much of the opposition to the American-led Iraqi liberation effort — and we can now truly call this liberation — stemmed from people who are not opposed to war itself. Instead, they are opposed to America and the values that she defends.

While space prevents a digression, one should consider researching the true, though often obscured, motives and ideology of the U.N., France, Germany and others.

The pending fall of Baghdad signals an important event in many ways. For the Iraqi people, it is that liberty which is so sweet that will now bring peace to their land. This was encapsulated in a pithy sign displayed by an Iraqi citizen yesterday: "Mr. Bush: Man of Peace." How ironic — perhaps.

Secondly, for the world, the American effort is evidence that wherever evil is bred, its sources had better fear this mighty yet friendly nation in whom the oppressed can place their hope.

America cannot accept all the tired and the huddled masses into its limited domain, but she can be a powerful force for protecting what is good in this world including herself.

So today, if you live within the great bounds of this country or if you take joy in seeing the happiness of the Iraqi people, take a moment, and thank with the greatest sincerity the United States and her noble defenders, from the Commander-in-chief to the fallen heroes — for standing tall against the raging tides, for protecting us and for sharing the beacon of liberty with the rightfully exuberant Iraqi people.

• Take pride in the U.S.