Meet Michael Monsoor. Mike was the son of George and Sally Monsoor and brother to James, Sara, and Joseph. From a young age, Mike stood up to bullies and habitually helped those in need. He overcame childhood asthma to become a great swimmer and high school football player. Mike was a man of faith, family, and fierce friends. He enlisted in the Navy with the goal of becoming a Navy SEAL, his determination exemplified by the words, “You Never Quit” written into the hat that he wore every day of the grueling SEAL training.

Mike deployed to Iraq for the first time in 2006. One month after arriving, Mike and a fellow SEAL rushed out into the open to save a wounded comrade. Mike would display humor, humility, and his abiding faith throughout his time in Iraq. He also displayed valor.

He died on Sep 29, 2006 — on the Feast of St. Michael, the patron saint of soldiers for which he was named — defending his fellow Sailors and Soldiers. Three men are alive today because of his actions on that day. Children have fathers because of Mike Monsoor, wives have husbands, and parents have sons because of Mike Monsoor. Mike and the team he was with were in Ramadi, Iraq defending the defenseless; people not unlike those our Bill of Rights was written for. He defended all of us.

It was Michael Monsoor that was being honored on June 18, 2016 when the “Zumwalt 12” staged their protest. Mike’s mother was the primary speaker. The character she displayed as she stood in front of thousands, holding her rosary and a tissue, and telling stories of Mike’s childhood antics was an inspiration.

From my perspective on the other side of the fence from the “Zumwalt 12,” their demonstration was not an act that redressed grievances; rather, it inflicted grief on one family, who had suffered the greatest personal loss. And while the demonstration was peaceful to those 12 individuals, it was painful to those who had lost their son, their brother, and their friend.

The “Zumwalt 12” did not seek a conversation, they wished to present a statement. They protested the treasure spent on war in the presence of those who had paid in blood.

The costs of war are indeed high. Ask anyone who knew Mike Monsoor: a man of conscience, civility, and consequence. He and his family were the heroes that day.

Scott M. Smith lives in Brunswick.