You Will Be Never Left Behind

Risks of Losing Trust and Confidence

“You will be never left behind the enemy line,” my late father who defected from North Korea as a child during the 1950 Korean War told me when he learned that I became a U.S. citizen. Eager to participate in the American democracy by obtaining the right to vote, I decided to apply for U.S. citizenship after 15 years of living in the country. I was a bit puzzled at his reaction to my decision to become a U.S. citizen as it didn’t fall into the range of responses I expected from him — a sense of disappointment, a sense of unhappiness, a sense of disapproval, or all of the above.

During the Vietnam war, my father and his generation of defectors who were threatened by their government rather than receiving protection watched closely how the world’s largest superpower handled and managed conflicts with its enemies as well as its citizens’ safety when they faced danger. Highly reported American choppers’ rescue missions in Vietnam that involved transporting thousands of Americans and Vietnamese in 1975 during the fall of Saigon were imprinted in their memory. These historic images signaled to them that under no circumstances, would America abandon its citizens. They looked up to and respected America as a beacon of protection of its people’s security and safety.

Since becoming a U.S. citizen, I have heard on several occasions from the past and current presidents that their chief duty is to protect the American people. It was comforting to know America would watch my back, especially when I need it most. The images of the U.S flag as well as Arlington National Cemetery and the sound of The Star-Spangled Banner sometimes made me emotional and overwhelmed me with this intense feeling of deep gratitude to the nation and its resolve to protect its citizens.

The fall of Kabul to the Taliban with horrible images of the Kabul airport filled with desperate people who wish to leave, 13 courageous US soldiers’ deaths, and Americans who are still trapped in the country started shattering my vote of confidence about America and its promise, “No Americans will be left behind the enemy line.” This promise is not only central to America as the epicenter of democracy and protector of its citizens but also to our allies who worked with and trusted America to watch their back when under attack. Most of all, this solemn contract between the citizens and the republic embodies what it means to be an American.

The entire world is watching us. They are paying attention to what America will do for its citizens and its allies who are still left in Afghanistan. My dad’s assuring voice from his grave reminds me of America’s reputation and the American people’s trust in the country. The familiar sound of his voice is ringing in my ears repeating “you will be never left behind the enemy line.”