Remembering the Fallen

Today is Memorial Day. It is the day that we remember. We remember those that have died in the defense of this great and amazing country and all that she stands for. From her beginning brave men and women have defender her. People say that freedom isn’t free and that is probably the most accurate statement. Let’s just see what freedom has cost

Number of deaths per MAJOR war or conflict

Revolutionary War – 25,000    War of 1812 – 15,000

Mexican-American War – 13,283    American Civil War – 625,000

World War I – 116,516    World War II – 405,399    Korean War – 36,516

Vietnam – 58,209    Iraq – 3,542    Afghanistan – 1,435 (and counting)

These total 1,305,399 deaths. These do not include those that were wounded nor do they include smaller skirmishes and battles that also cost American lives. The price of freedom is definitely NOT free! Over a million families lost a loved one, some more than one. Over a million sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends were lost. They answered America’s call to defend our way of life and we own a great debt to them.

I am saddened that many people don’t remember what Memorial Day is about. It’s just another day off for them. Another day on the lake or to BBQ with friends. My son will not be one of those people. He will understand what the price of freedom is. Today we took the opportunity to visit the Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, NV. I wanted him to understand that going to the church we choose or voicing our opinions were paid for by the blood of those buried there!

This first picture made me cry. This is our friend Amari. His family is really close to ours. His mom and I are practically sisters. As we were looking at the Memorial for Nevada residents who have died, in combat, since 9/11. Amari instantly recognized the name Ezra Dawson. Ezra died a few years ago in Afghanistan, when the helicopter he was on, was struck by an RPG. Ezra was married to Amari’s mother, they had divorced before Amari was born, but still was an important part of their lives. I was grateful that Amari recognized this name. It made the trip even more worth it!

This is the memorial where Amari found Ezra’s name.

Ethen and Amari at the fountain in the center of the cemetery.

In loving memory of Jack Speece, Jonathon’s grandfather. Jack was a POW during WWII and was held in a Japanese camp for a couple of years. We are grateful for him and his sacrifice this day! May he rest in peace!

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After we spent some time at the cemetery we headed across the street for some fun in the sun. There’s a duck pond and a splash park – they boys were wound tight and ready to release! I couldn’t believe the size of these Koi fish in the pond – there were four of them all at least a foot long! We even saw a turtle sunning on the very nasty grate!

After the splash park we came home for a bit to rest then headed out to a different park for a BBQ with friends. I didn’t capture any pictures from that (I know, I’m fired), but we had a great time. The boys will most definitely sleep well tonight. They played hard today – like boys should!

All-in-all it was a great Memorial Day. I think a visit to the cemetery or the Veterans Home will become an annual thing. Maybe even to the USO. Who knows – I’m sure it will be a tradition that will last for many years. I know I am so thankful to all those that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for the fight of freedom. Without their sacrifice, we would have nothing!

Brandy