The location was downtown Los Angeles and the time was the dog days of summer. The place was the Selective Service Center. I was a 19-year-old college student and my school credits had fallen below the number required to retain a student deferment.

I was also one of hundreds of young men who were being paraded around wearing nothing but boxers or briefs, in front of opened windows subjects to view by those walking the sidewalk.

We were undergoing pre-military physicals and those who passed were likely headed to Vietnam.

That was my closest-ever experience to a cattle call. While it was fun, in a crazy sort of way, it was also a bit demeaning, threatening and scary. Military men were barking orders, and obviously less than amused with the pranks and attitudes of the long-haired would-be hippies and rebels.

The details were a bizarre mix of things, like sharing urine with those who couldn't (or didn't want to) pee in a cup, broken needles and marks missed on arms at the blood-draw station, and some tall tales being told by some in an effort to "get out."

My mind was made up. I would not escape to Canada and I would not shirk my duty. If called, I would answer, and if necessary, I would crawl through and fight in the jungles of a strange and foreign country.

After all, we were going to fight for freedom, right?

I wasn't called. The story is too long to tell why, but I was given an "only in case of all-out war" designation and sent back to college.

As far as wars go, Americans tend to have a view of them as good or bad, often depending upon the outcome, length of conflict and prevailing feelings of citizens. That can vacillate based upon public perceptions, propaganda or persuasive arguments (fact or fiction). Many, for instance, looked at Vietnam as a "bad war." The Gulf War, by contrast, was a "good war." It didn't last long and America won.

Over the years, I have come to believe there is no such thing as a good war. War is a horrible thing. My beliefs, however, are balanced with the understanding that wars have been a part of life forever, will continue to be and can be necessary.

But what makes a war necessary? It is a question for our current age, and it isn't easily answered, especially in a newspaper column with limited words and only one person's point of view.

But for argument's sake, let's say war is necessary when it comes to defending freedom, or as a response to a significant direct attack on the United States of America.

Today is Dec. 7. It is Pearl Harbor Day. It is the day in 1941 when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor; that was and is a defining moment in history, and we must always honor those that fought in World War II.

On Sept. 11, 2001, there were a series of coordinated and deadly attacks by al-Qaeda upon the United States; another defining historical moment in which we must also honor those who have and are fighting back.

But let me cut to the heart of my thoughtful struggle. I am an American who will always honor those men and women who honorably fight for America when they are called to do their duty, regardless of the war. They are doing the jobs they swear to do when they become a military member. None should ever, again, be treated as those returning from Vietnam.

My fight today is with the leaders of any country or nation who choose war for a wrong-headed reason or hidden agenda, but attempt to pass it off under the colors of freedom, religious or "trust me" righteousness.

"Dear God, we pray for our brave soldiers in (name a country), who are fighting for our freedom and for you based upon what is right."

It is a common prayer at churches across the world.

But are all wars waged based on freedom? Are all wars waged based on what's right, according to God?

No.

Those are the kind of questions we need to ask as a nation and not use "freedom" or "God" as the undisputed justification for invasion of nations that results in the death of honorable young men and women.

Let's never forget Dec. 7, 1941, and let's honor all soldiers from all wars past and present. But let's also recommit ourselves, as an honorable nation, to do all we can to seek peace and make it a strong preference over war.

And finally, let's also pray for the safety of men and women in the military, as well as leaders of all nations, helping all to seek better understandings and relationships.

(You can reach editor John Irby at 250-8266 or john.irby@bismarcktribune.com and go to www.bismarcktribune.com/blog/?w=thepaper&e_id=2671 to read his blog.)