In a difficult year, we must still remember the sacrifices that gave us freedom
The month of May this year was unlike any other in the past. May is designated, "Military Appreciation Month," when veterans are honored with patriotic events. The quarantine changed all of that.
On May 8, Cantigny Museum in Wheaton canceled the celebration of V-E Day, when Germany surrendered to end World War II. The final event in May is Memorial Day, with parades and activities to highlight pride, patriotism, and the sacrifices made for America's freedom. When combined with transitioning from winter to spring, it is an uplifting time.
Not as much this year. Everything was canceled, and the weather was the wettest May on record. However, it has given us an opportunity to reflect on what has given us our freedom and the greatness of America. Think about these American veterans casualty numbers from major wars:
• World War I - 63,114 deaths / 204,002 wounded / 3,350 Missing in Action (MIA)
• World War II - 405,399 deaths / 670,846 wounded / 30,314 MIA
• Korean War - 36,516 deaths / 92,134 wounded / 4,759 MIA
• Vietnam War - 58,209 deaths / 153,303 wounded / 1,603 MIA
• Gulf War - 294 deaths / 849 wounded / 0 MIA
• Afghanistan - 2,216 deaths /20,050 wounded / 0 MIA
• Iraq War - 4,497 / 32,222 / 2 MIA
TOTAL DEATHS - 570,245
TOTAL WOUNDED - 1,173,406
TOTAL MIA - 40,028
Not included is our own Civil War with a combined death total of 655,000, and the Revolutionary War.
Unfortunately, these numbers do not reflect the overwhelming collective human heartbreak, loneliness and despair of the generations of families left behind. Their sadness is monumental and never goes away.
Today, people are understandably demonstrating because they want to return to work. However, when there are thousands of people in the streets assaulting police with rocks and bottles because they cannot party, go to the beach, see a sporting event or go to a bar, I feel sad for my country.
Much of America has regressed from the "Greatest Generation," which the casualty figures noted so starkly reflect, to the "Spoiled Generation." The slogan, "We are all in this together" rings hollow, because in reality it is not true.
I have a military shirt I often wear which depicts the Vietnam Wall and is emblazoned with the words, "Our government did not build this wall, our veterans did." I believe that says it all.
Our veterans built America. Never forget!
• Steve Thompson, of South Elgin, operated a small museum as a hobby featuring his 65-year-old collection of military memorabilia and successfully used it to raise money for military and veteran-related charities at www.dixiedevildiver.com.