(Pamela Cosel, Headline News) Memorial Day, in most parts of the country, means having outdoor barbecues, traveling on vacation, or holding community celebrations.
But for families whose loved ones died in war, it’s a heart-breaking time as they recall the loss of a brother, sister, husband or wife, or friends who were killed on a battlefield.
This year marks the first Memorial Day since the deadly and disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Joe Biden’s failed leadership. It was a “strategic failure,” as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley stated at the time.
While Miley claimed the withdrawal as a “logistical success,” he said,“It is obvious the war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted,” reported The Guardian.
Military families have historically viewed, and deservedly so to a grateful nation, Memorial Day in a very different way from those who celebrate it as a general national holiday.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported last week there were 4,431 deaths during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of that number, 3,490 were killed in action, with an additional 31,944 service members wounded in action.
Other recent war casualties include:
- Operation New Dawn = 74 Deaths, 298 Wounded in Action
- Operation Enduring Freedom = 2,352 Deaths, 20,149 Wounded in Action
- Operation Inherent Resolve = 109 Deaths, 272 Wounded in Action
- Operation Freedom’s Sentinel = 109 Deaths, 619 Wounded in Action
After the tragic mass shooting of young children in Uvalde, Texas, this Memorial Day not only do we think of those lost at Robb Elementary School, but we remember and honor the thousands who lost their lives serving in the U.S. military.
Uvalde parents rightfully mourn, but are not the only ones whose hearts are breaking at this time. We owe them our deepest gratitude for the sacrifices made by their adult children, as we owe to all who have given their lives for our freedoms.
