June 3, 2023 - Today, as I was scrolling through my Twitter feed, a single tweet stopped me in my tracks. It was a tribute to Cpl. Roberto Cazarez, a Marine based at Camp Pendleton, a young hero from the very city I was born in—Harbor City, California. His life was cut short on a distant battlefield in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on March 30, 2012. His story strikes a deep chord within me, not only because of our shared hometown but also because of the parallels that bind our stories together—both from foreign lands and yet both making America our home.

As a Muslim, some might question my honoring of fallen US servicemen and women. However, this is all due to misunderstandings and an outgrowth of false narratives. As a student of Islam, I believe in the sanctity of all life and in the noble pursuit of peace, making my path not only a personal mission, but also a holy one.

His sacrifice isn't an abstract notion for me. It's personal, stirring the same torrent of emotions that crashed over me when I heard of General Ameer's martyrdom. The heroes of this story aren't fictional characters from a far-off land, but real people, like Roberto, who attended Narbonne High School in Harbor City, just like countless others. They were people with dreams, hopes, and families they loved. Roberto was a devoted husband, described as one of the most motivated Marines, always ready to take on challenging duties, always volunteering, never complaining.

The online tributes to him paint a picture of a man who touched lives, even in the most desperate of circumstances. He was remembered as someone who always had a smile on his face, who kept his comrades' spirits high even when things were at their lowest. His memory, his dedication, and his service remind us of the human cost of conflict and underline the necessity of finding a path towards peace.

In many discussions with a bereaved from the US military, the idea of direct engagement in rebuilding the bridges between our peoples continually surfaced. Today, with the story of Roberto in my heart, everything has become clear and confirmed for me. We need to bring about change, not just in policy but also in perception, by honoring those who laid down their lives in pursuit of peace.

Amidst the confusion and perplexing narratives, one truth stands starkly clear to me: negotiation with the forces that caused this turmoil is not the path forward. It simply can't be. We should be engaging with voices striving for peace, with forces like the National Resistance Front of Afghanistan led by Ahmad Massoud, who continue the struggle for freedom in the face of unspeakable adversities.

Change doesn't merely start at the top; it begins with us, the people. The current administration and some organizations make claims that often obscure the truth, but we can't fix this situation through lies, deceit, or politics alone. We need honest conversations, not just with politicians but with the people of both countries. Unlike in Doha, where the voices of the people were left unheard, it's crucial to include them in the narrative.

This isn't just about Afghanistan or America, this is about our shared humanity. The sacrifices made by heroes like Cpl. Roberto Cazarez and General Ameer should not be in vain. We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to strive to make their dreams of a peaceful world a reality. Let's redirect our energies toward creating a future where peace prevails and the sacrifices made find their rightful meaning.

My fellow Americans, let's take a moment today to reflect on our role in this narrative. Let's recognize that there is a path forward. It is the path of engagement, understanding, and support for those who fight for freedom. I believe it's a path worth walking, not just for Afghanistan, but for all nations striving for peace.

Now, with the memory of heroes in my heart and a mission clear in my mind, I take the first step on this new path. Join me, and together, let's walk towards a future where peace isn't just a dream, but a reality. Let's walk it together, one step at a time.

- Kumayl Yusuf Nazary