Monday, May 19, 2008

Memorial Day: Remember the Fallen

Watchmen on the Walls of Freedom

"We in this country, in this generation, are by destiny rather than choice the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of peace on earth, goodwill toward men." --John F. Kennedy
(from a speech that was never delivered, due to Kennedy’s death)
SOURCE: Presidential Prayer Team Update for April 4, 2003.

On Memorial Day: Remember the Fallen and Wounded

Revolutionary War(1775-1783)
Served: No Data
Deaths: 4,435
Wounded: 6,188

War of 1812 (1812-15)
Served: 286,730
Battle Deaths: 2,260
Wounded: 4,505

Mexican War (1846-1848)
Served: 78,718 Battle
Deaths: 1,733
Other Deaths: 11,550
Wounded: 4,152

Civil War (1861-1865)
Served: 2,213,363
Battle Deaths: 140,414
Other Deaths: 224,097
Wounded: 281,881

Spanish-American War (1895-1902)
Served: 306,760
Battle Deaths: 385
Other Deaths: 2,061
Wounded: 1,662

WWI (1917-1918)
Served: 4,734,991
Battle Deaths: 53,402
Other Deaths: 63,114
Wounded: 204,002

WWII (1941-1946)
Served: 16,113,566
Total Deaths: 406,000
Wounded: 671,846

Korean War (1950-1953)
Served: 5,720,000
Battle Deaths: 33,686
Other Deaths: 2830
Wounded: 103,284

Vietnam War(1964-1973)
Served: 8,744,00
Battle Deaths: 47,378
Other Deaths: 10,799
Wounded: 153, 303

Gulf War (1991)
Served: 124,100
Deaths: 162

The War on Terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan (2003-2008)
(as of May 18, 2008)
Deaths in Iraq: 4,080
Deaths in Afghanistan: 501
Other
locations: 64
Total Wounded: 30,329

"Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions, put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners." Hebrews 11:32-34

In all wars every death is tragic and appalling. May we all pray for an end to this conflict in Iraq, and a safe return home for our soldiers. But may we also realize that there is an enemy lurking around the world that wants to destroy and wipe Israel off the map, and since we are a defender of Israel, the enemy would like nothing better than to destroy us as well.

May we have the resolve to stand for freedom, justice, and human rights around the globe. John F. Kennedy believed in our calling to do so. I believe it is our deep Christian values that motivate us to action when people suffer around the world. May the Lord give us wisdom when to fight and when to stay home. And may the Lord continue to keep His hand of protection over our nation. Take a minute to pray for our nation, our leaders, and our soldiers, and a successful outcome of the present conflict.

May this Memorial Day be a day of thanksgiving to all who have served, especially to those who died in service, and those who have been wounded.

May God be with us, and bless us all.

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