War in Iraq wages on, and many of our nation's men and women remain at risk. But despite the urgings of some Washington politicians, America must show the world we will not wave the white flag, we will not surrender.

U.S. House Democrat John Murtha, a representative who voted for the war originally, has called for the immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops, showing that our Congress has continued to be split over the ongoing battle.

Our nation must stay the course. We cannot falter now. We must continue to work toward establishing democracy in Iraq.

We have gone beyond the point of no return and the thousands of lives lost in this tragic war would all be for naught if we allow the insurgents to win.

Murtha sees it differently.

‘‘It is time for a change in direction,'' he said. ‘‘Our military is suffering. The future of our country is at risk. We cannot continue on the present course. It is evident that continued military action in Iraq is not in the best interests of the United States of America, the Iraqi people or the Persian Gulf region.''

We disagree wholeheartedly. Our best interests - and the world's - absolutely are tied to how the war in Iraq, the war on terrorism, ends.

The senate has said that 2006 should be a &#8220period of significant transition to full Iraqi sovereignty.” We agree with this but do not think we should try to apply blanket statements that would mandate a complete withdrawal.

The Republicans have said Murtha advocates abandonment and surrender.

‘‘They want us to retreat. They want us to wave the white flag of surrender to the terrorists of the world,'' Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said.

We must not surrender now, or ever.

Our nation was built on courage and the desire to take the more difficult choice. We do this not because it benefits America and not for oil, or gas companies or any other reason.

We do this because it is the right thing to do. A white flag is never acceptable.