As most
of us know Memorial Day was a few days ago. As I was talking to my grandpa, a
veteran, it hit me that a lot of people don’t even know the real meaning of
Memorial Day. Many people think it is just a day off of work to go hangout with
friends and family or go party. I also think that some of the people that
actually know what Memorial Day is don’t always take the time to honor those
troops who died protecting us and our country.
I know
that most people have had family members that serve or served in the military.
I have a grandpa who served in the U.S. Army, another grandpa who served in the
Navy, an uncle who served in the Air Force, two cousins that were actually
deployed to Afghanistan, and a cousin who is about to go through basic training
to be in the Air Force. So honoring our
troops and veterans is very important to me and my family.
For
those that don’t really know what Memorial Day is or just know a little bit
about it, Memorial Day is a day to remember those who died in active military
service. There are sadly many to remember. According to the Military Factory
there were 405,399 casualties in World War II, 36,516 casualties in the Korean
War, 58,209 casualties in the Vietnam War, 2,356 casualties in Afghanistan, and
4,489 casualties in Iraq. Just imagine the families of these brave people and
what they went through. It is very tragic.
I’m not
trying to guilt trip anyone by writing this. I am, however, trying to encourage
everyone to honor the troops that died for this country, the living veterans,
and the men and women who still serve. I feel like they get so little for doing
so much and that should definitely change. So, next Memorial Day while you are
hanging out with friends and family take some time to honor the troops that
died for this country.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down
his life for his friends." –John 15:13
-Hattie Milligan
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