Memorial Day

Freedom Isn't Free

On the last Monday of May, America pauses to celebrate the millions of Americans who gave the ultimate sacrifice -- their lives, for the freedom they have.

It is not just for an extra day to spend whatever they want to, sleep in, binge watch a TV series, watch a movie, do a backyard barbeque, or a day in the beach, the park, or a Memorial Day shopping spree. Well it is. Americans do have that freedom.

But freedom isn't free. It was paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of those who fought during the two world wars and the wars stateside and overseas, and the suffering of the family and friends of those who died and maimed or incapacitated.

Civil Wars

World War I

World War II

So as we do whatever we want to do today, let us also remember that this day and every day, was because of the people who died during: 

The American Civil Wars - over 600,000 dead.

Mexican American War - over 10,000 dead.

Spanish American War - over 2,000 dead.

Philippine American War - over 4,000 dead.

WWI - over 100,000 dead.

WWII - over 400,000 dead.

Korean War - over 30,000 dead.

Vietnam War - over 50,000 dead.

Iraq - over 1,000 dead.

Afghanistan - over 1,000 dead.

Justified or not, these people are a big a reason for what America is today.