Remembering the sacrifices

Memorial Day mingles pride and sadness as we remember the bravery and sacrifices made by American military forces over so many years.

This is especially poignant in a time of war, as we watch men and women marching off to face combat in a far-off land and read daily about those who will never walk on American soil again.

At the same time, the heroes of World War II who walk among us are dwindling in number as time takes its toll on those who came back victorious from a “good war.” Our parents and grandparents are part of what is now known ? with pride and respect ? as The Greatest Generation.

Meanwhile, many veterans of a younger generation of soldiers who fought in Vietnam are among society’s castoffs, unable to find a place in the America for which they put their lives on the line. In a sense, they, too, gave their lives in war.

As the community pauses at Heisler Park to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, here is an accounting of the deaths of American soldiers in wars since the Revolution. The data is from CNN.