Remember

I woke up in the middle of the night earlier this week with the shell of this poem. Somehow I think it was better at 3am in the dark, but I hope you enjoy. It’s unfiltered emotion.

Remember more often, remember with others aloud

Remember more than today, remember they should feel proud

Remember to thank them, remember that is for always

Remember to be respectful, remember not just holidays

Remember we have no idea, remember they have been there

Remember our freedoms; remember they walked where most don’t dare

Remember that there are triggers, remember they relive then

Remember we have a place, remember we can love, we’ve never been

Remember heroes  too remember; remember time spent is a prize

Remember we can help them; remember to look into their eyes

Remember they didn’t always know why, remember they went on call

Remember some disagreed; remember them, not one, but all

Remember how we live today; remember it could have been a different way

Remember our men and women, remember them, embrace them today

Remember that memories don’t end; remember we must pass this on

Remember those serving today; remember all, not just those who are gone

Remember every day, remember, certainly, on this Veteran’s Day

Remember our place in this; remember we’re thankful supporters in every way

This next paragraph is some information I came across while reading through The Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide. I found this was useful information.

“While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military – in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.” – The Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide

This next area is also pulled from The Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide.

America’s Wars

WORLD WAR I

(1917 – 1918)

Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)………………..4,734,991

Battle Deaths…………………………………………………….53,402

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)……………………63,114

Non-mortal Woundings……………………………………204,002

Living Veterans…………………………………………..0

WORLD WAR II

(1941 – 1945)

Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)………………16,112,566

Battle Deaths…………………………………………………..291,557

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)…………………..113,842

Non-mortal Woundings…………………………………….670,846

Living Veterans…………………………………………….2,079,000

KOREAN WAR

(1950 – 1953)

Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)………………..5,720,000

Battle Deaths…………………………………………………….33,739

Other Deaths (in Theater)…………………………..2,835

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)…………………17,672

Non-mortal Woundings…………………………………….103,284

Living Veterans……………………………………………..2,507,000

VIETNAM WAR

(1964 – 1975)

Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)………………..8,744,000

Battle Deaths…………………………………………………….47,434

Other Deaths (in Theater)……………………………………10,786

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)………………32,000

Non-mortal Woundings…………………………………….153,303

Living Veterans…………………………………………….7,569,000

GULF WAR

(1990 – 1991)

Total Servicemembers (Worldwide)………………..2,322,000

Battle Deaths………………………………………………………….148

Other Deaths (in Theater)………………………………………..235

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater)……………………..1,565

Non-mortal Woundings…………………………………………..467

Living Veterans…………………………………………..2,246,002

GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR

(2001 – PRESENT)

The Global War on Terror, including Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom are ongoing conflicts. For the most recent statistics, please visit the Department of Defense Web site:

http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personnel/CASUALTY/ gwot_component.pdf

While I get lost in the numbers from these wars, I try to remember what these numbers represent. I try to think on those times and the feelings that rippled through America at each of these times. This is why history is so important to me, it’s not about just the event, or the headline, but also about the mindset at the time, the circumstances in play while decisions were being made. Hindsight almost always clears the picture, but it also loses the frame the picture was taken in. That’s where people come in. I have said, and will say many more times, it’s people that make the world go around. This relates to history as well. People lived through these times, through these fears, through these emotions, and they are the resource we can learn the most from. Why did they do as they did? What was the feeling? Ask. Just ask. OR Read. I read a lot of books on baseball history and the icons that make those memories sparkle for so many of us. Some of the more memorable things I have read in numerous books, is the effect of war, and the emotions tied to it, on baseball and our country at that time. People remembering, sharing the experience. So important. Context is huge.

So today, remember those who serve, those who have served, and learn all you can. Thank as many as you can. We have so much to be thankful for. Certainly one thing, this Veteran’s Day, Remembrance Day, and approaching Thanksgiving Day, to be thankful for, is the freedom we enjoy each day. There’s millions of people to thank. Start today. Remember.