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.
