As of my last check, there are 4,079 casualties from the war in Iraq.
I don't post this number to condemn the war, nor do I do so to say that casualties are light.
I do not do so to say we were right in going there.
I do not do so to say we were wrong in going there.
Today, the politics of Iraq, as complicated and divisive as they are, do not matter. Today is a day to remember that the price of our freedom is paid by the blood of those who serve and give their lives in that service.
On a day where we remember our hallowed dead, I simply remember that our freedom is paid for in these lives. And it is my hope and prayer that they do not die in vain.
May you enjoy the blessings of freedom these, and all others who have given their lives in all the wars over the history of our county, have secured for you.(I'll update this as I find posts)
I found some other posts that have good sentiments as well. Check them out and never forget:
Mike's America - Quite extensive, all inspiring.
Obob's World - Short and to the point.
Five Ft Three - Yet another short and to the point.
Right Think - Inspiring words, inspiring pics.
6 comments:
4,079 American heroes.
4,079 Americans who loved their country so much, they died defending our freedom and way of life.
4,079 reasons to thank GOD we live in a country which inspires such love and devotion and sacrifice for others.
Freedom certainly isn't free.
To set aside one day a year to honor those who died for us is the least we can do.
I ditto Mike. Thanks for the link Patrick!
I couldn't have said it any better. Memorial day indeed is not a day to exploit the loss of lives during war. Rather it is precisely for the reasons you cite.
Shouldn't we use Memorial Day as a lesson? Shouldn't we look at those 4000 lives and learn from it? We certainly didn't from all the thousands who died in Vietnam. You can use Memorial Day as a band aid and continue to morn more and more dead soldiers but I prefer to use it as a day to think about how to remember those soldiers so more don't die in vein.
There is also a big cemetetary by my house and the Cops and Firemen throw a parade and cerimony with cannons and everything. So its not just a day to honor soldiers.
Toad: There are 364 days to deal with everything else. Memorial Day was set aside to honor those who died serving our country. That there are places where some dilute the meaning with other crap, but that place is not here.
I picked the Iraqi casualties for that reason. Because no matter what your feelings are on the war, these are 4,079 fallen heroes.
Here's some reading. Hope it will clear up what the day is about.
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