Presidential Debate on Foreign Policy Reminds Us That All Politics Is Local

They say that all of politics is local. No matter how big of an issue, it somehow affects those who live in communities like ours. The final debate scheduled for Monday night at 9 p.m.between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney will focus on foreign policy.

The biggest foreign policy issue for the last three presidential terms has to be terrorism and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the candidates debate foreign policy, Patch looks back at some of the stories we covered on the local effects on the community of the America's ongoing wars.

Photos: Commack Residents Remember 9/11
Hundreds of Commack residents gathered on Tuesday night to remember those killed in the Sept. 11 attacks and make sure their lives are never forgotten. 

The highlight of this year's ceremony was the unveiling of a permanent 9-11 memorial featuring a piece of World Trade Center steel, that is engraved with the names of six Commack residents and alumni killed in the attacks.

Commack Resident Wounded in Afghanistan
A local Commack resident was wounded on patrol in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Lt. Sam Orlan, attached to the 1st squadron of the 75th Calvary Regiment in 101 Airborne Division, was on patrol with a soldier from the government of Afghanistan when he was struck by an IED.  

 Thomas DeLuca has served in World War II, spent time on the front lines as the Philippines were liberated from Japan and dodged submarines in the Pacific and at 93 years of age, he continues to serve. 

9/11 First Responder Fights for Suffering Rescue Worker
Commack resident James Ryder worked around the clock, securing the perimeter of Ground Zero and searching for bodies buried in the rubble of the collapsed World Trade Center buildings in the days immediately following the Sept. 11 attacks.

A Cautious Congratulations to Obama
Patch blogger James Ryder writes his message of a cautious congratulations to Obama on the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden.

Air Force Sergeant Comes Home from Afghanistan
A large crowd gathered at MacArthur Airport on Saturday afternoon to welcome Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Kenneth Gray of Commack home from Afghanistan. 

Recalling Where I Was on 9/11
Patch blogger Mendel Teldon shares his personal experience of where he was on the morning of the Sept. 11 attacks, and his own personal reaction.