On this long Memorial Day weekend in 2009, let us remember that besides the cookouts, the family and friend get-togethers that many get to enjoy, Memorial Day is about honoring those United States of America soldiers who have died during war or military conflict.
I would like to take this moment to briefly reflect on what our men and women in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard have provided for us . . . and Honor those fallen soldiers who have given the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation and her people . . .
The saying goes that “Freedom is NOT Free . . .”
http://www.usmemorialday.org/poetry/notfree.htm
In defending the Constitution that “All men are created equal”, the Union fought the Confederates in the American Civil War that claimed approximately 620,000 soldiers’ lives. We have the abolishment of slavery and the reunification of our nation due to sacrifices of the Union soldiers.
For World War II, after the initial loss of 2,350 military men and women at Pearl Harbor, America’s Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines death toll grew by the end of the war to approximately 405, 000 with 20,000 alone dying during the one month Battle of the Bulge. We have the defeat of dictators that had designs of world domination, genocide of a people, and the creation of the “Master Race” to thank and Honor our dead American sons and daughters for.
From World War I to Korea, to Vietnam, to the terrorist attack on the marine barracks in Lebanon, to Desert Shield and Desert Storm, to the terrorist attack on the Cole, and then to IRAQ II, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines have given their lives approximately 221,000 additional times being in harm’s way, ready to keep us and our nation free, safe, and secure.
Memorial Day is our day to Honor our fallen heroes. Remember that it is because of them that we enjoy our freedom and security. We must also remember and support the family members left behind by those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, as well as our wounded military veterans who come home with combat wounds that are life changing for them and their loved ones.
When you see a Veteran, Thank a Veteran. If you are a Veteran, Thank You!
I wish you, your family, and your friends, God’s speed and blessings for a safe Holiday.
Warmest regards and Conservatively yours,
Raymond T. McKay
President, RIRA
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