Remember the FallenTake a moment to reflect today on the men and women who have died to keep you and your children safe. |
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Memorial Day is, of course, a day that pays tribute to those men and women who have lost their lives serving our country as military personnel. Memorial Day was officially declared a day of remembrance by General John Logan in 1868 as an official salute to those fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate price of sacrifice to their country. It has traditionally been a day to lay flowers and respect at the graves of those who lost their lives in the armed forces.
In the recent past, Memorial Day has lost its meaning as Americans looked forward to a three-day weekend and family BBQ rather than taking time to observe the heroes who continue to go into battle whenever called upon. After 9/11, tragedy evoked a resurgence of pride, emotion and gratitude upon the American people. Today, parades, speeches and tradition as exploration of the true meaning behind Memorial Day have been increasingly popular again. Arlington National Cemetery is wrought in custom as a ceremony is performed and marked by flags on each soldier's grave, as well as the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Typically the vice-president gives a speech. An American flag is flown at half-mast to observe our fallen soldiers appropriately.
No matter what your feelings are on past or present wars, it is nearly impossible to argue that the men and women of the armed forces are true heroes by way of public servitude, and that they are some of the most giving and selfless people on earth. Take a moment to remember those who died in the line of duty, protecting your freedoms, your life and your nation. Your life would be much, much different without these brave soldiers. Be proud and support our troops!
In December 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which encourages all Americans to pause at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day and take a moment of silence to honor those who died while serving our country. Wherever you are, stop and think about what it means to sacrifice your life so that others can be free and live well.
The following is a list of past wars and the numbers of soldiers that perished:
American Revolution (1775 - 1783)
4,400 American Soldiers died
War of 1812 (1812 - 1815)
2,300 American soldiers died
Civil War (1861 - 1865)
134,000 American soldiers died
Spanish-American War (April 25, 1898 - April 12, 1898)
2,500 American soldiers died
WWI (1914 - 1918)
117,000 American soldiers died
WWII (1939 - 1945)
407,000 American soldiers died
Korean War (1950 - 1953)
36,500 American soldiers died
Vietnam War (1965 - 1974)
58,000 American soldiers died
Persian Gulf War (August 1990 - April 1991)
148 American soldiers died
Afghani War (October 2001 - Present)
Approximately 493 American soldiers have died and the number continues to rise as the conflict still continues...
Iraq War (March 2003 - Present)
Approximately 4,070 American soldiers have died and the number continues to rise as the conflict continues...
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1. Izi
Jun 10, 2006 15:30
I prefer to remember ALL fallen soldiers, everywhere. American, European, Asian, African, Middle Eastern - thousands dead as a testament human stupidity. The scars of hatred and retribution, ill-feeling and long-standing prejudices that war leaves are irreparable. Violence begets violence, hatred. So if we're so bent on remembering the past - the grief, the pain, the desperation - why does it keep happening? I would suggest the best way to honour those who died protecting us is to stop such situations as make their sacrifice necessary arising in the first place. So when you remember, don't just sit there thinking of the fallen dead and how brave and glorious they were - remember their living comrades. And what we can do to save them, and the countless innocent civillians of all nationalities who will otherwise die with them.Death by War: Prevention rather than cure.
2. Jessica Carlson
Jun 10, 2006 16:46
Perhaps Izi (or shall I say, "Einstein"), I am not remembering civilians on Memorial Day because the piece was written for MEMORIAL DAY. Not civilians day. Not puggles day. Not vegetable garden day, but Memorial Day.Pretty sad that we can't acknowledge the brave men and women of our armed services who parished giving their lives for completely unselfish reasons and to protect our freedoms simply because some people are so self-absorbed that they want to wallow in their manufactured pity party which conveniently turns it around to be about (who?) them! All under the guise of caring about all the little people no less.
Unfortunatley for you, Memorial Day is about American soldiers who died for their country, not about your specific politics and misuse of this dedication to them to propagate your personal opinions.
There is no difference between your sentiments here, that poo poo Memorial Day's meaning, and those of Fred Phelps lackies who protest at the funerals of American soldiers who died serving their country. Both are of monumental disrespect and ugly contempt aimed at the wrong people.
3. Susan
May 25, 2009 23:11
Thanks for this post. I have a better appreciation for this day now that I'm older and realize all the efforts of my grandfathers, extended family members and even my fiance who once served (and thankfully survived) various wars. It's not all about hamburgers and beer today, and I think it's up to us to educate our kids about its true meaning, regardless of which political "side" you're on.