“THE ENORMITY OF THEIR SACRIFICE”
by Capt Joseph R. John (Ret), Chairman, CombatVeteransForCongress, ©2020
(May 25, 2020)— Since General George Washington commanded the Continental Army, 42 million Americans have served under the American flag. In the past 244 years, one million American military personnel have been killed in the defense of the Republic, and another million and a half have been wounded.
Each year on Memorial Day weekend we honor American Patriots who have given the “last full measure of devotion” in their service to the Republic so their fellow Americans could live their lives free from oppression.
We not only honor American combat veterans who gave up their tomorrows; we also honor veterans who were wounded and other members of the US Armed Forces who were separated from their loved ones for long periods, often going into “Harm’s Way.”
On this Memorial Day weekend, the Republic’s most sacred and cherished patriotic holiday, the nation solemnly pays homage to the thousands of Gold Star families for the loss of their loved ones, and for the enormity of their sacrifice!
On Memorial Day, and every day throughout the year, we also honor 23 million veterans who served in the defense of the Republic, then served their country in so many other ways. America owes those veterans a debt of gratitude it can never repay!
At one point in their lives, all those veterans wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount “up to and including their lives.”
By clicking on the below-listed link, you will be able to watch a moving video, “Why I Stand,” in honor of America’s Fallen, Wounded Warriors, members of the US Armed Forces serving today, and in hof America’s Veterans.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eBxVxO0nh4
Americans should ensure that the nation’s youth are taught in their US History courses in school and in their homes to “never forget” the enormity of the sacrifice made through the ages by millions of American patriots who protected and defended the freedoms they enjoy.
https://www.facebook.com/combatveteransforcongress?ref=hl
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” -Isaiah 6:8
As a veteran who survived I am happy that those of us who survived are also honored on Memorial Day as I honor those who died on Veterans Day. I believe all who have served should be honored on both days, and every day, not because I want recognition but because everyone who served was willing to die, if necessary, for the freedom of others. To me it is a great honor to have served, even for just 3 years. I feel some guilt because they spent a year training me to be one of the world’s most elite warriors (Special Forces) and only got 2 years use out of the expense and effort. I should have stayed longer but wanted to get married but couldn’t get permission so I got out and got married.
“We have seen the enemy and he is us” is unfortunately more true with each passing war. I served proudly as a US Marine in Viet Nam and (again, unfortunately) learned to distinguish truth from political make-believe. It is a sad thing indeed for families to suffer the loss of loved ones who never had a chance to fulfill their lives. If the truth of a war’s purpose were ever to be uncovered by the masses, a lot of politicians would be swinging from the tree branches – and I don’t mean by their tails. WW II is a prime example – why was the entire Navy told to corral all their ships into, as the cowboys in the Old West would call, a “blind canyon”? The aircraft carriers were just a little slower getting there. The Admirals went along with such a ludicrous order in fear of their careers rather in trust of the lives they commanded.
And so it goes. Those that died did so as true heroes believing they were serving their country. Those that ordered their deaths will burn forever in hell. That may be little compensation for those who must live with the loss, but ’tis what ’tis.
Which is all the more reason to bring back the draft, because it is my belief that advantages (living in the USA) shouldn’t be given but earned.
There have been times in my life when I have cried while singing our anthem: “That our flag was still there.”
When I was on active duty and saluted Old Glory, during the raising and lowering of The Colors, I gave a personal twist to the whole operation, but the last time I saluted her I did it Mr. Perfect Textbook, and if there were any angels looking down at that moment, they would have seen somebody who was damn proud to have served.
I should have been killed in 1965 and many time I have wished I were. I saved some lives and have denied Jesus three times since I wasted those who were trying to kill me.
For me, personally, every day is Memorable Day.