On This Memorial Day

US Navy sailors honoring fellow sailors killed during the Pearl Harbor attack, Naval Air Station Kaneohe, Oahu, 30 May 1942 (US National Archives)

On Memorial Day, we remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country.

We live in freedom because they fought tyranny.

We live without fear because they faced danger.

We live in comfort because they gave up all comforts.

We live because of their sacrifices.

Let’s never take these gifts for granted. They were purchased at high cost.

Over 1 million Americans have given their lives in war (Source: English, June A., Jones, Thomas D., Scholastic Encyclopedia of the United States at War, New York NY: Scholastic Reference, 1998).

American Revolution: 4.435

War of 1812: 2,260

Mexican-American War: 13,283

Civil War: 498,332

Spanish-American War: 2,446

World War I: 116,708

World War II: 407,316

Korean War: 33.651

Vietnam War: 58,168

Gulf War: 293

War on Terrorism (Source: icasualties.org): 4520 in Iraq, 2396 in Afghanistan
On this Memorial Day, take a moment to remember. And take a moment to thank God for freedom and life.