Veterans Day will be observed on Monday, November 12. Sadly for many in the population, Monday will be just another day that the banks and post office will be closed. Most offices will be open for business and the main reminder of what day it is will be the local car dealer will be advertising their annual Veterans Day sale. In our busy lives it becomes easy to forget that men and women have served, fought, and died for the freedoms that we enjoy.
Veterans Day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day. It commemorated the 11th day, of the 11th month that fighting had ended between the Allies and Germany in 1918. The Armistice Day was unofficially remembered until 1926 when November 11 officially became a national holiday. In 1954, Congress officially changed the name to Veterans Day to honor veterans from all branches of service.
Out of the 4.734,991 U.S. troops that fought in World War 1, 116,516 were killed. In World War 2 we had 16,112,566 troops, of which 405,399 died. In the Korean War there was a total of 5,720,000 servicemen, 54,246 did not live through the conflict. During Vietnam, we had 8,744,000 troops and 90,209 died during the war. The Gulf War saw the U.S. troop numbers at 2,225,000 with a total of 2,094 deaths. The above numbers also include deaths not related to combat. Their sacrifice is not lessened by the circumstances involved in their deaths. The U.S. military lists 4,294 deaths since the War on Terror started in October of 2001. These numbers show that nearly 1.2 million servicemen and women have died during wartime since World War 1. This does not take into account the time spent away from loved ones in during times of war and peace. The self sacrifice of these brave men and women of our Armed Forces is truly worthy of hero status.
Some will always squabble over the logic behind any of the wars throughout our history, but the men and women who went and fought should never be forgotten. Every one of the men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan, or anywhere else around the world that they may be stationed, have volunteered for this duty. They have willingly put themselves on the line for the sake of freedom. They do not serve for glory or money, they serve for freedom and honor. All those who serve now or have served in the past are part of a rich heritage of heroic sacrifice. Military life is not easy by any stretch of the imagination, and all of our veterans deserve the recognition and honor that our culture normally bestows upon the self righteous entertainment industry. Over this weekend and throughout next week, search out the veterans in your family and your everyday life, and thank them.
One final note, Saturday, November 10 the United States Marine Corps will celebrate its 232nd birthday. The marines are some of the bravest and toughest men and women on the face of the earth. Semper Fidelis to all of the marines, both past and present. Your nation owes you and all veterans a debt of gratitude for your service. Thank you.
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Comments: 30
The current crop of military heroes in Iraq are owed a special debt of gratitude, for undertaking a ridiculous, unjustified, immoral war because they were commanded to do so by the criminal leaders of our country, who misled Congress and the American people to justify their nefarious ends.
We can never repay our debt to those who died in this debacle. It is a terrible thought that their lives were spent for such a worthless cause. This is certainly no criticism of them, the people who paid the ultimate price. The burden lies squarely on the shoulders of our leaders, Bush and his neocon cronies. They are the ones whom history will judge.
Nam, and the times of relative peace from Viet Nam to Gulf War.
If I can find a vet, I'll shake his/her hand.
As a writer, I am spending the weekend pondering how Patriotism seems to be taking a back seat to economics and privatization in our country.
As a veteran of our nation's Air Force, I am spending this weekend hoping that those who sacrificed more than I will find some reward and support for their situations.
It's Veteran's Day!! Please show your support and appreciation!!
Excellent article! We need to remember the sacrifices of all those who have served our country. It makes no difference whether we agree with this war or that, the veteran does not get to pick and choose his place to serve. And they have served it well for over 230 years! The resources of the United States is a major factor in our winning WW II and the men and women of our armed services was the biggest single resource involved, with courage and heroism to spare, in making our country more secure and successful.
My father fought in WW I and was in the Battle of the Argonne. My brother served in WW II and would have been in the invasion of Japan if the nuclear bombs had not existed. The closest he cam to battle was a bullet through is jacket one night standing guard on a well in the Philippines. So I was raised in a household filled with respect for the American military and it's selfless sacrifices.
To my two other Nephews who with the grace of God came home safely from Iraq, Thanksgiving my house, lets dedicate our thanks to the Lord for your cousin Eric's safe return.
I would ask while remembering the Veterans to remember the families of those serving now. With the longer deployments, families are being ripped apart on a daily basis and the families here with loved ones there need special prayer and support now too.