They died for you, for me

For Love of Country they accepted Death
-James A. Garfield-


This one is hard for me to write.

I've had a very humbling experience. I decided last night to research just how many have died for my freedom.

The numbers are staggering, to say the least.
Before I get into the statistics I feel that I must address something else.

Most people are blind to the fact that strangers have died for their own personal freedom. We, as a nation, have become so comfortable with our day to day liberties that we fail to be grateful. Our military performs the hardest, ugliest jobs that is asked of them. They do those jobs with honor. They do those jobs for ME and YOU so that we would continue to live in FREEDOM.

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few."
-Sir Winston Churchill-

Here is a rundown of the number of brave souls who sacrificed their lives, freedom and families for the freedom of America; for YOU and ME.

The Revolution- 4,435
War of 1812- 2,260
Indian Wars- 1,000
Mexican War- 13,283
Civil War-
Union- 364,511
Confederate- 133,821
Spanish-American War- 2,446
World War I- 116,516
World War II- 405,399
Korean War- 54,246
Vietnam- 90,209
Desert Storm/ Desert Shield- 1972
'War on Terror'
Iraq- 5,456
Afghanistan- 1000

Total number of dead: 1,191,098

*number of dead is worldwide at the time of the wars.
*Civil War death count does not include 26,000-31,000 who died in Union prisons.

The next time you see our flag, realize that our Republic comes with a price that is continually paid for with blood.

The next time you see someone disrespecting our flag, consider all of those dead who are being disrespected as well.

The next time you see a veteran or a serviceman, do something to show that you are thankful for their choice to fight for you.

The next time you see an announcement of another Soldier, Airman, Marine, or Sailor that gave up their life so that you can live yours in peace, do more than just shake your head about it.

As for me, I vow to do these things. I have left them to others for far too long and I refuse to be guilty of not being grateful ever again.