For the people of Belgium

Belgium is a quiet place. The word tranquility fits. On our first trip to Europe, I took Jane to Flanders where the famous World War I cemetery was located. It was a beautiful place to spend eternity and we've gone back to that stunning area many times.

Today's horrific terrorist attack  struck deep in the hearts of Belgians and their global partners. Most Belgians speak some English and I heard one Brussels resident fight the tears back when asked if he was afraid. "I'm not afraid of death. I could get hit by a car," he said. "But I am afraid of being killed by a terrorist for no other reason than to frighten those around me."

Even President Obama has said several times now, there is little we can do to stop someone who is willing to give up their own life for a radical cause. Today's attack was planned. It appears to have been practiced. The locations of the terrorists were selected specifically for maximum impact. A small consolation is that for some reason they only fired a few rounds from their automatic rifles before detonating their suicide belts and suitcase bombs full of nails and bolts. Even more people would have died or been shot if the guns had continued firing.

My military father always told me that knowing your enemy was a major step in ending a conflict. Radical Extremist, however, by definition, does not lend itself to reasonable and rational thought or dialogue. Belgium is quiet for a different reason today. It's sorrow that is in their hearts and ours. A country that most of us only know for its delicious chocolate has sadly become a target of villainous violence. We Americans don't know it as well as we do Paris. It is unlikely we will see the outpouring of goodwill for Belgium that we saw after the Paris attacks. Not out of lack of concern but out of lack of education.I truly hope that will not be the case.

Jane and I were there not long ago and our hearts go out to all its citizens. They were kind, welcoming and engaging people and we feel their loss.  For the home of Michael Angelo's only piece of art outside Italy, the Madonna and Child, that found a place there, our wish is that peace and tranquility will return quickly.

Our world has changed. We are only one step away from being screened in EVERY public place.If it comes that, we should do it, but do not let the terrorists steal our lives from us.. If you see something, say something is pretty good motto. Be aware. But by all means, enjoy a piece of Belgian chocolate and, like Jane I did, take your time eating that waffle in the street cafe and looking at the scenery. As the good Mr. Gump's mama always said, "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get." So embrace life and those you love. We will win this war.