Memorial Day is a day set aside for us to remember those who gave their lives in our nation's service. Officailly started in 1868, the holiday was originally started with Civil War casualties in view. Now it is for all those who have died defending our country.
This is no small number. In the Revolutionary War, there was 4,435 combat deaths. The War of 1812 had 2,260 comabat deaths. The Civil War was one of our worst since every death was an American death. Combined, there were 184,594 combat deaths and 373,458 non-combat deaths. World War I saw 53,513 combat and 373,458 non-combat deaths, while World War II brought us 292,131 combat and 115,185 deaths. In the Korean War we lost 33,651 men in combat. Vietnam cost us 47,369 combat losses and 10,799 non-combat deaths.
These numbers don't include the Mexican War, the Spanish-American War, the Gulf War, and the ongoing losses in the War in Afghanistan and Iraq. It doesn't include the wounded who survived. It doesn't include the cost in money. It is simply a glimpse at the large numbers of men and women who willingly put their lives on the line to gain and maintain the freedom that we enjoy in this country. I hope we will thank God for them today.
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