America at War (1775 to Present) - Memorial Day

Remarks to be presented at the Civil War Grave, Dinwiddie, Virginia
on Sunday, 30 May 2010 - Memorial Day Weekend.
By: The Rt. Rev. Mark W. Leavell, Th.D.

We gather here at this simple grave marker on this Memorial Day Weekend, to pay tribute to those who have fallen in the Nation’s many and diverse wars and conflicts. With this wreath we honor their memory, and with this flag we honor their service and sacrifice.

This simple stone marker from America’s most bloody war, is representative of all Americans of every race and color, who have died in armed conflict. And to the end that we do not forget them - or their sacrifice - I share with you the number of Americans killed in each of our wars since our Founding as a Nation.

The War of Independence

(1775-1783)

25,000

The Quasi-War

(1798-1800)

20

The Barbary Wars

(1801-1815)

35

The War of 1812

(1812-1815)

20,000

The 1st Seminole War

(1817-1818)

30

The 2nd Seminole War

(1835-1842)

1,500

The Mexican-American War

(1846-1848)

13,283

The 3rd Seminole War

(1855-1858)

26

The Civil War / War Between the States

(1861-1865)

623,026

The Indian Wars

(1865-1898)

919

The Spanish-American War

(1898)

2,446

The Philippine War

(1898-1902)

4,196

The Boxer Rebellion – China

(1900-1901)

37

The Mexican Revolution

(1914-1919)

35

The Haiti Occupation

(1915-1934)

146

World War 1

(1917-1918)

116,708

The Russia Expeditionary War in Siberia

(1918-1920)

615

The Chinese Occupation

(1918-1937)

5

The Occupation of Nicaragua

(1927-1933)

68

World War 2

(1941-1945)

407,316

The Korean War

(1950-1953)

36,914

The Cuban Invasion

(1961)

4

The Vietnam War

(1964-1973)

58,169

The Invasion of Dominican Republic

(1964-1966)

13

The Civil War of El Salvador

(1980-1992)

20

The Beirut Occupation

(1982-1984)

266

The Persian Gulf Support Operations

(1987-1988)

39

The Invasion of Grenada

(1983)

19

The Invasion of Panama

(1989)

40

The Persian Gulf War

(1991)

269

The Occupation of Somalia

(1992-1993)

43

The Bosnian Wars

(1995)

12

The Kosovo Wars

(1999)

20

The War on Terror - Afghanistan

(2002-2010)

1,084 ... and counting

The War on Terror - Iraq

(2003-2010)

4,400 ... and counting.

Since our Founding as a Nation

1,316,732 Americans have been killed

in 35 different wars, occupations, invasions,

and other types of armed conflicts.

The United States of America fought its first war starting in 1775. That war was fought for liberty and independence, and to establish peace and domestic tranquility. However, since our founding as a Nation of liberty and peace, we have in reality been a nation of war. Since our founding 235 years ago, there have only been 90 years of so-called “peace” for this county. That means that for 145 years of our 235 year history, we have been at a state of war or armed conflict with someone, somewhere in the world.

If one divides the number of Americans killed in wars and conflicts, by the age of our country - that equals 5,603 Americans dead for each year that we have existed as a nation.

The longest period of this so-called “peace” in our nation’s history only lasted for 17 years – from 1818 to 1835 between the First and Second Seminole Wars.

On average, the United States is at war every 7 years. Since 1901, that average drops to 5 years. This means that nearly every president since George Washington has talked of peace, but has led the Nation to war for one reason or another.

Today, we continue to talk of peace, and we condemn war with our words; but are even now engaged in two wars, and may be looking to start another one war with Iran, and may be drawn into yet another war with Korea and the Chinese – again.

The promise of America is good and always has been; yet there remains a serious flaw in the character of any nation who spends more than 60% of its national time and energy, and collective natural resources engaged in war. Despite the many political and international challenges the world faces, I believe we can find a way to get along with other nations and not serve as the world’s policeman. I believe we can make better use our time and resources in building a better world – a more stable and peaceful world, whilst maintaining an adequate defense for ourselves and of ourselves. I believe if we removed the glory and glamour and ease of governments using war as a diplomatic tool, we could indeed see a world with less conflict. There has to be a better way to resolve conflicts than destroying whole nations and civilizations, and killing each other. Yes, today, we honor our dead whilst we grieve for the families – both past and present.

The widow for whom no husband shall return.

The children for whom no father will return.

The parents for whom no son or daughter will return.

The families that will never exist –

because so many young people who dreamed of a family...

... died.

The untold wisdom, intellect, and potential of each and every generation in our Nation’s History...

...all Lost because of war.

1,316,732 – the number of dead Americans we honor today. If we truly seek to honor them, then let us resolve within ourselves to protect our children and their grandchildren from ever experiencing the fear, destruction, deprivation, and death that comes with war. Let us resolve to be the children God has intended us to be. Because Jesus said -

“Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called the children of God ….”

(Matthew 5:9)

Let us pray… Almighty God, on this Memorial Day weekend, kindle, we pray, in every heart a true love of peace; and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your Kingdom and Dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Amen.

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.
Let there be peace on earth
The peace that was meant to be.
With God as our father
Brothers all are we.
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.
With every step i take
Let this be my solemn vow.
To take each moment
And live each moment
With peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth,
And let it begin with me.