Memorial Day

Freedom is Not Free

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze.
A young Marine saluted it,
and then he stood at ease.
I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud,
He'd stand out in any crowd.
I thought how many men like him
Had fallen through the years.
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?
How many pilots' planes shot down?
How many died at sea?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, freedom isn't free.

I heard the sound of TAPS one night,
When everything was still
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.
I wondered just how many times
That TAPS had meant "Amen,"
When a flag had draped a coffin
Of a brother or a friend.
I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.
I thought about a graveyard
At the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, freedom isn't free.
~Kelly Strong

Memorial Day is the day we honor those who have fought and are fighting for our country. It is a day to rejoice in the knowledge of our freedom. It is a day that many morn the loss of sons or daughters, brothers or sisters, mothers or fathers. It is Memorial Day.

In the American Revolution, 4,435 men died fighting for our right to freedom.
In the War of 1812, 2,260 died fighting for our right to keep our freedom.
In the Mexican-American War, 13,283 men died fighting to show which country was #1.
In the Civil War, 364,511 men died fighting to instill their rights in the country.
In the Spanish-American War, 2,446 men died fighting again to show which country was #1.
In the World War 1, 116,316 men died fighting to keep their country from being invaded.
In the World War 2, 405,399 men died fighting to keep their country and families safe.
In the Korean War, 36,995 men died fighting to help Korea keep their country free.
In the Vietnam War, 58,151 men died fighting to help South Vietnam keep their country free.
In the Operation Desert Storm, 382 men and women died fighting to keep Kuwait free.
In the Operation Enduring Freedom, 420 men and women died fighting to show that America is not a country to be messing around with.
In the Iraqi Freedom, 3,688 men and women have died fighting to help Iraq free their country.

In total, 1,008,286 men and women have died to keep freedom alive. They have not died in vain, but for a purpose. They died for the purpose of freedom. The freedom that you use everyday. The freedom that we take so for granted. At least 45 MILLION men and women have served during these wars. Many more have served during the peaceful times to keep the peace. Will you not take a few moments of your time today to stop and thank anyone who has served or is serving in the United States Military whether they be in the Navy, Air Force, Army or Marines. These men and women are our modern day heroes.


THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE SERVING OUR COUNTRY!

~Bethany~