May 30, 2016 …
Yes, it’s a holiday and a day off from work and school. Today heralds the beginning of the summer season, and many retailers are offering fantastic bargains. However, let’s not lose sight of the real reason we have the day off- remembering those who served and died in our country’s military.
Sometimes local municipalities hold parades and some folks actually visit grave sites of fallen soldiers.
So, I contemplate, how many of our soldiers have recently died in the “Endless Wars in the Middle East?”…
Goggle estimates-
“After 4,486 U.S. soldiers died in Iraq and 2,345 U.S. soldiers died in Afghanistan, 1 million U.S. soldiers wounded in both wars, and a potential cost of up to $6 trillion, a new group like ISIL now causes havoc in the Middle East. ” –Sep 17, 2014.
Add to that the steady suicides of the returning soldiers at a rate of 22 soldiers per day! (Goggle.)
And of course, war claims causalities on the other side. They are people, too. It’s estimated that a half million, 500,000 Iraqis have lost their lives since 2003. Then there are currently drone strikes.
Warfare is ugly business all around.
We must not forget those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Here’s a thought: Donate to USO https://secure.uso.org/?sc=WW12TRL404 Click on here.
I just did.