Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. The unofficial start of the summer season. A time for picnics, cookouts, softball games, and other family outings. But, more importantly, it is the day where we Americans pay homage to all those that have fought and died for this country. It is a huge price to pay to give up your life for your country. Many have done so willingly. I can't begin to express the gratitude felt for those fallen soldiers over the many years and wars.

Here is a summary of the casualties reported.

Civil War (1861-1865) = 618,000 military deaths
World War I (1917-1918) = 116,000 military deaths
World War II (1941-1945) = 417,000 military deaths
Korean War (1950 - 1953) = 33,000 military deaths
Vietnam War (1956 - 1975) = 58,195 military deaths
Persian Gulf War (1990 - 1991) = 1,986 military deaths
War on Terror (2003 - ????) = 4,590 military deaths (Iraq & Afghanistan)

Originally titled "Decoration Day", Memorial Day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War. It was later expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action. It is observed the last Monday in May.

Many believe that this is a small price to pay for our freedom, and a necessary one. This certainly would be true if we had fought all of those wars to protect us, to preserve freedom. But if you've been a regular reader of this blog, you know that there are many reasons never stated in the media why many of these wars occurred. Quite frankly, you would be sick at the sacrifice that these brave men and women who gave their lives considering the real reasons behind those wars.

(For a brief glimpse at the reasons behind the Civil War, see the post History of Money Part VII on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2008 in this blog. During the following week in February posted in this blog, there is a summary of many of the reasons behind the wars in the 20th century. All of this certainly gives us a new perspective on these patriotic holidays.)

Why do our sons and daughters have to pay such a high price for our ignorance of what is really going on?

Consider the following quotes on this day of remembering:
"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States, 1743 - 1826

"Banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies."
Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States, 1743 - 1826

"Every generation must wage a new war for freedom against new forces which seek through new devices to enslave mankind." Jean-Jacques Rousseau, philosopher, 1712 - 1778

"Anarchy is the sure consequence of tyranny; for no power that is not limited by laws can ever be protected by them." Daniel Webster, statesman, 1782 - 1852

"When all other rights are taken away, the right of rebellion is made perfect." Napoleon Bonaparte, French emperor, 1769 - 1821

"When the government violates the people's rights, the insurrection is, for the people and for each portion of the people, the most sacred of rights and the most indispensable of duties." Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States, 1743 - 1826

"Disobedience, the rarest and most courageous of the virtues, is seldom distinguished from neglect, the laziest and commonest of the vices." Oscar Wilde, novelist, 1854 - 1900

"Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope ... build(ing) a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, 1917 - 1963

"Those who suppress freedom always do so in the name of law and order." Robert F. Kennedy, US Attorney General, 1925 - 1968

"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act." George Orwell, novelist, 1903 - 1950

"Men stumble over the truth from time to time, but most pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened." Winston Churchill, British Prime Minister, 1874 - 1965

"No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom, unless he be vigilant in its preservation." General Douglas MacArthur, famous US Army general, 1880 - 1964

Think on these quotes the next time you remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for us. What will be required of us down the road?

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour. Matthew 25:13 (NIV)

If you have comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the address below.
Email: DeltaInspire@panama-vo.co