Dragon's Rose posted a beautiful story about being a military wife and that included a picture that said - Happy Memorial Day - just in case you thought it was National Barbecue Day.
Even if you don't agree with the reasons that we go to the places this country goes, or the why of it, remember that we are served by honorable men and women who believe with all their hearts in what they are doing, and believe with all their hearts that their actions protect you and I. They give their time, their blood, sweat, tears. Their sacrifice is great. They sacrifice time with their families, they sacrifice the things you and I take for granted. Sometimes they sacrifice their minds and their souls and a lifetime of the peace we take for granted. Sometimes, they give their lives.
The numbers are staggering. Thank a service person for their service. Remember those who have fallen and those missing still:
World War I
Total service members: 4,734,991
Total casualties: 116,516
Non-mortal wounded: 204,002
Living veterans: less than 25
World War II
Total service Members: 16,112,566
Total casualties: 404,993
Non-mortal wounded: 671,846
POW/MIA: 79,000+
Living veterans: 3,242,000
Korean War
Total service members: 5,720,000
Total casualties: 54,246
Non-mortal wounded: 103,284
POW/MIA: 7,500+
Living veterans: 3,086,4000
Vietnam War
Total service members: 8,744,000
Total casualties: 90,269
Non-mortal wounded: 153,303
POW/MIA: 1,700
Living veterans: 7, 286,500
Gulf War
Total service members: 2,225,000
Total casualties: 2094
Non-mortal wounded: 467
POW/MIA: 6
Living veterans: 1,852,000
Global War on Terror (includes those serving in Afghanistan and Iraq)
Total service members: 1,249,367
Total casualties: 6,018
Non-mortal wounded: 43,399
POW/MIA: 126
In honor of:
Major JJF, Jr. - 8-11-68 in Thua Thien, Vietnam - US Army Special Forces- served 12 years at time of death
Lt. Cdr PLW - 4-26-78 in North Vietnam - US Navy Fixed wing pilot - served 12 years at time of death
My Ward - US Navy Silent Service - 9 years, currently deployed
All US Military personnel past and present. Thank you for your service.
As a holocaust survivor of World War 11. I owe my life to these brave servicemen and women, who put their lives on the line, that I may live. So I say thank you to all of them, on this Memorial Day. I am also a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army.
ReplyDeleteWard and I are very glad that you made it out to fulfill a greater purpose. I thank you for your service.
DeleteVisited and cried at the National Cemetery where my honorable man is buried. We were both in service to our country, almost 50 years total. So sad to see so many new graves of young men and women. God bless them. We pray for the safety of serving military and strength and peace of mind for their families.
ReplyDeletePatty
Thanks to both you and your husband for your service, Patty. And Ward and I extend our love and support on the loss of your husband.
DeleteJuniebug, this was lovely and a tear jerker at the same time. I got love and respect for all the service men and women and their families.
ReplyDeleteHappy Memorial Day to Ward and his beautiful family. *hugs*
Thanks, lil sweet dream. I'm so proud of my Ward, but if he wanted to retire and stay with us that'd be okay, too :-)
DeleteThanks very kindly and to you and your brood!
I come from a military family myself, so does Musicman. We fly our flag proudly in honor of the men and women who give so much for our freedom. God bless you, Ward and your kids, you have all sacrifeced so much for us. I appreciate and pray for Ward's safe return everyday. Ok honey, I'm off to find a tissue :)
ReplyDelete(((hugs))), thanks very much, faerie, didn't mean to make you cry. We pray, too, can't come soon enough:-)
DeleteI always include their families in my sincere gratitude because the families give some also so we can sleep in peace.
ReplyDeleteThanks very much, Suzie. Yes, those left behind also serve.
DeleteThis was a really nice post June. There is a National Cemetary in my home town and I have family members there. It is beautiful to see all the flags on all the grave sites (and sad, but beautiful).
ReplyDeleteYes, thanks to Ward and all those who currently serve and have served our country. Blessings to you and your family. I was traveling and so I am a little behind on some blog reading.
Thank you very much, SNP. It is a sad and beautiful sight, one that always squeezes my chest, and pricks my eyes with tears.
DeleteI'll give your lovely wish to Ward, I know it will bolster his morale to know that he is so well loved and so well thought of. We celebrated his birthday Saturday, keeping him present. (But we'll still celebrate when he returns - complete with his very own carrot cake - his special request.)
Blessings to you and your family as well and I hope your trip was wonderful.