LETTER: U.S. has more than a million war dead to honor on Monday

 

To Ozaukee Press:

Sgt Johnny Rosario Pichardo, Sgt. Nicole L. Gee, Staff Sgt. Darin T. Hoover, Cpl. Hunter Lopez, Cpl. Daegan W. Page, Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, Lance Cpl. David L. Espinoza, Lance Cpl. Jared M. Schmitz, Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, Lance Cpl. Dylan R. Merola, Lance Cpl. Kareem M. Nikoui, Navy Corpsman Maxton W. Soviak, Staff Sgt. Ryan C. Knauss, Lt. Roy Harms.   

    The above names are separated by almost 80 years. What do these people have in common? We will honor all of them on Memorial Day as those who gave their lives in the service of their country. The first 13 names are those who passed away as the result of a terrorist suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26, 2021 as our military forces were exiting that country. Roy Harms was a World War II Army pilot whose sacrifice was honored recently when he was able to come home for burial in Grafton.

Approximately 1,304,702 Americans have died in wars fighting for the United States and its freedom and democratic principles, starting with the Revolutionary War and going through the War on Terrorism. Memorial Day was established to honor these men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There are many activities and memorials happening on this year’s Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, to honor our war dead. One choice might be visiting the Milwaukee War Memorial to view the

15, 015 flags placed there to remember the military members from Wisconsin who died serving their country since World War I. This Field of Flags honors well those Wisconsinites who answered their country’s call.

Our family will remember my husband’s great-uncle Lem who died on D-Day and is buried in a cemetery in France. Even though we can’t physically go to where he is buried, we will remember Lem with thoughts and prayers. Whatever we do to remember these service members’ sacrifices, the main goal is not to forget them. President Harry S. Truman summed up the debt we owe to these fallen heroes well, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid.  They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”                                  Karen Meador

Port Washington

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Ozaukee Press

Wisconsin’s largest paid circulation community weekly newspaper. Serving Port Washington, Saukville, Grafton, Fredonia, Belgium, as well as Ozaukee County government. Locally owned and printed in Port Washington, Wisconsin.

125 E. Main St.
Port Washington, WI 53074
(262) 284-3494
 

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