3,878,455

[Infidel Cowboy]

When you wake up tomorrow and begin counting all the things you're thankful for, make sure you start at three million, eight hundred seventy - eight thousand four hundred fifty - five. This is because 2,451,741 members of the United States military have died, been wounded or gone missing so that we may live free. And, there are 1,426,713 men and women on active duty in the United States Military - that means they're in line to die, be wounded or go missing so that we may live free.

It's a long list, so I'm starting today.

Numbers are from Wikipedia.org:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_casualties_of_war

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_of_the_United_States

Mods, I know there is no direct gun content, so I understand if this is deleted. Had to share my $0.02.

IC

 

[yokel]

During six months of the First World War in 1918, 53,513 Americans were killed in action -- almost as many as in Vietnam, and over a much shorter period of time.

 

[Starship1st]

I heard that Seattle and other cities no long do Memorial Day Parades? What has happened to our country when we forget those who died to keep us free?

Well, I will never forget those who died or wounded protecting our liberty.

 

[Eric F]

What has happened to our country when we forget those who died to keep us free?

thank you to all the hippies pot heads and junkies of the liberal 60's and 70's thats what happened.

 

[Blackbeard]

I don't think we've forgotten. I just think that in this day and age, a parade isn't quite the spectacle it used to be.

 

[Calibre44]

It’s much the same over here although we do have Remembrance Sunday which is a day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today. On this day we buy a poppy and wear it proudly whilst reflecting on the sacrifices made by our brave service men and women.

Not everyone does though which I find disgusting. Some don’t even ‘bat an eyelid’ when I explain that during one battle in WWI alone (Battle of the Somme) the British Army suffered 420,000 casualties including nearly 60,000 on the first day alone!! In the course of the battle, 51 Victoria Crosses won by British soldiers. Of these 51 medals, 17 were awarded posthumously.

There is some talk amongst politicians that we should dedicate another day to celebrate our armed forces and thank them – we’ll see.

I was very impressed during a trip to Sea World in Florida this year when the presenter asked all those in the audience who have, and still are, serving in the Armed Services to stand. We all clapped. I was then even more impressed when the presenter asked the audience to clap the British Armed Forces in Irag and Afghanistan as well. It made me proud but also sad that you folks in the US seemed to appreciate thier efforts more than some of our country folk seem too