A 'lifetime' of service

No, Im not talking about mine. Far from it. I guess most of our 'service' is in the form of time or effort. The topic Im going to talk about... Sigh..I even feel I am not worthy to talk about it. How can I claim to know much about it? Or even claim to know what it feels like? Now I think about the lives of Hemant Karakre and Ashok Kamte... some of the fore-running police officers who were gunned down in the line of duty during the 26/11 attacks. Of course, these brave men had names and faces... wives to talk about them and demand an inquiry as to why no backup was offered at 12.02. A.M. Now I think about the millions of young soldiers who give their lives for their countries... without questions and 'cash' rewards.. So do we all ache as much, for that aam sipahi? We should. Its heart-breaking... I guess what rubs more salt into such wounds is the suggestion of inadequacy in the system that lets such men in uniform down....It is said that backup did not arrive in time, for these brave policemen to bring their strategy through. One would imagine that once the invasion of desh-drohis have been established, gallant and trained police force to jump into action... and try to take them out. Well, they did.But maybe the few who ran to the forefront to do their bit turned around to find themselves alone. I know this is not the first and last time it will happen. Im not even going to vilify the police force in India (an old whipping dog). You know, there are so many honest and hard-working police officers... (Sandeep Unnikrishnan is not really a rare breed)... who get overshadowed by the over-powering anger generated by a handful of pot-bellied, lackadaisical police officers who un-intentionally, created holes in the bullet-proof vests of Kamte and Karakre that fateful night.I wish top police officers didn't have to risk their lives and experience without backup. I wish there wasn't an element of inadequacy threatening the effectiveness of their response. I wish they did not die in vain. I hope they did not.Their lifetime was truly one of service. It really puts the concept of 'effort' in perspective.A humble prayer is sent above.. one of thanks for their moments of service and sincerity... Another is a small obeisance paid to their great souls. My heart goes out to their wives and children. The scars left by some twisted minds is painful to watch.