In Memoriam

I last visited Arlington National Cemetery right before my friend John Milkewicz shipped off to Iraq. I am very thankful that he came home. Memorial Day is for those soldiers who did not.

It began after the Civil War as Decoration Day, for decorating the graves of soldiers. After World War II it became more commonplace. I know many veterans, family and friends. I am grateful that they came home. The only family member I know who died at war was Nicholas Pucci, who served in the Korean War.

Let us remember the dead today, and the true cost of war, which echoes through the generations. The lost promise, the families left gouged by their absence, and the burden those who made it home must carry.

American Civil War

625,000


World War II

405,399


World War I

116,516


Vietnam

58,151


Korean War

36,516


American Revolutionary War

25,000


War of 1812

15,000


Mexican American War

13,283


War on terror* present

6,717


Philippine–American War

4,196

The Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Audie Murphy’s grave

The Grave of Joe Louis

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Just one small corner.

Tagged: Arlington Cemetery, Darth Milk, DC, Iraq, Memorial Day, World War 2