By Capt Joseph R. John, May 27, 2019: Op Ed #434 

Since General George Washington commanded the Continental Army, forty-two million Americans have served under the American Flag.  In the past 243 years, one million American military personnel have been killed in the defense of the Republic, and another million and a half have been wounded.

Each year on Memorial Day weekend we honor American Patriots who have given the “last full measure of devotion” in their service to the Republic, so their fellow Americans could live their lives in freedom.

We not only honor American Combat Veterans who gave up their tomorrows, we also honor Veterans who were wounded, and other members of the US Armed Forces who were separated from their loved ones for long periods, often going into “Harm’s Way.”  

On this Memorial Day weekend, the Republic’s most sacred and cherished Patriotic holiday, the nation solemnly pays homage to the thousands of Gold Star Families for the loss of their loved ones, and the enormity of their sacrifice!   

On Memorial Day, and every day throughout the year, we also honor 23 million Veterans who served in the defense of the Republic.  America owes those Veterans a debt of gratitude that it can never repay!  

At one point in their lives, all those Veterans wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount “up to and including their lives.”

By clicking on the below listed link, you will be able to watch a moving video, “Why I Stand”, in Honor of America’s Fallen, Wounded Warriors, members of the US Armed Forces serving today, and America’s Veterans.  

  https://www.youtube.com/embed/2eBxVxO0nh4  

Americans should ensure that the nation’s youth are taught in their US History courses in school and in their homes, to “never forget” the enormity of the sacrifice made through the ages by millions of American Patriots that protected and defended the freedoms they enjoy.

Copyright by Capt Joseph R. John.  All Rights Reserved.  The material can only posted on another Web site or distributed on the Internet by giving full credit to the author.  It may not be published, broadcast, or rewritten without the permission from the author.