Never Forget the Cost….

“Nothing is more important to the soul of America than remembering and honoring those who gave of themselves that we might enjoy the fruits of peace and liberty.”  – President Ronald Reagan

Photo Courtesy jdcdc (Creative Commons)

 I never served in the military, so it is hard for me to comprehend the courage required by the wonderful men of women that have stood in harms way so that I might live in freedom. 

I pray that I will never take for granted for their sacrifice, especially those who sacrificed all. 

As I read the stats below I am humbled. My words seem so weak in view of such sacrifice.

Revolutionary War, 1775 – 1783, Total Deaths =  4,435

War of 1812, 1812 – 1815, Total Deaths = 2,260

Mexican War, 1846 – 1848, Total Deaths = 13,283, Total Battle Deaths = 1,733

Civil War, 1861 – 1865, Union Deaths =  364,511, Total Battle Deaths = 140,414

Confederate estimates Total Deaths 133, 821, Total Battle Deaths 74,524

Spanish American War, 1898,  Total Deaths = 2,446, Total Battle Deaths = 385

World War I, 1917 – 1918, Total Deaths 116,516, Total Battle Deaths = 53,402

World War II, 1941 – 1946, Total Deaths 405,399, Total Battle Deaths 291,557

Korean War, 1950 – 1953, Total Deaths 36,574, Total Battle Deaths 33,741

Vietnam Conflict, 1964 – 1973, Total Deaths 58,209, Total Battle Deaths 47,424

Persian Gulf War, 1990 – 1991, Total Deaths 382, Total Battle Deaths = 147

Afghanistan, 2001 – to present, Total Deaths 1,984

Iraq, 2003 to present, Total Deaths 4,486

May we never forget!!

Data sources:

http://www.history.navy.mil/library/online/american%20war%20casualty.htm

http://icasualties.org/oef

http://icasualties.org/Iraq/index.aspx

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About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.