Today, as we honor the fallen warriors from the days of yesteryear, up to present day, may we keep dear the remembrance of the sanctity of human life which is so precious. Let us dare to ponder, oh but for a moment or two, on just how expensive this "FREEDOM", which we still enjoy today, truly is. We speak of the sacrifices, we applaud our military, we mention the names of men and women who engaged their belief and love for this country, allowing it to manifest tangibly into extraordinary action. We hold ceremonies, barbeques, picnics, parades; we visit the wonderful monuments in Washington D.C., which stand as a tribute to the men and women who served. Our governmental leaders attend the formalities consisting of all sorts of pomp and piety. While all these events mentioned are honorable and completely legitimate, still, lets meditate on the true action of the giving of one's life, limb, mobility, service and future for people whom they will never meet nor ever know their names. These valiant men and women rushed into "Harms Way" with the willingness of accepting the ultimate sacrifice, to lay their lives down, with all that it entails, on the "Altar of Freedom". Enabling both you and I, along with countless millions of others, in this country and abroad, to enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice. So let us not dare to trivialize the profound actions of our fallen, but instead, constantly hold dear and precious the value of a life.I graduated High School in 1975 at the age of 17. I was aware, as many other young men at that time, of the possibility of being drafted to serve in Vietnam. We had been engaged in this war for approximately 10 years, so naturally I supposed that it would continue. I was willing to serve and had discussions on multiple occasions with my father, who served in WWII as a Lt. Commander in the Merchant Marines, and then, later drafted into the Army at a much older age than the other draftees. We discussed my entering the ROTC program while attending College so I would immediately serve in the armed forces as a 2nd. Lieutenant. But as history shows, the war officially ended in that same year along with the draft. I would at times however, reflect on why I was spared from serving in Vietnam, as so many others have done before me, but I have come to the understanding that all situations, such as this, are in the hands of God. Below I have inserted a list disclosing the numerical account of statistics in each of Americas military engagements. Please take a moment to view the information and then reflect on the cost, "in remembrance of these".
War Casualties
Background
Many men and women have died defending this nation on the field of battle or "on duty" under the colors of our Flag. We have listed below casualties of war through the years to illustrate the significance of the sacrifice of many for our country. These statistics are humbling in the face of the significance of their sacrifice.
*United States War Casualties1,2
Below listed in order as follows:
WAR:
NUMBER SERVING:
WOUNDED:
BATTLE DEATHS:
Revolutionary War
217,0003
6,188
4,435
War of 1812
286,730
4,505
2,260
Mexican War
78,718
4,152
1,733
Civil War (Both Sides)
3,213,363
354,805
191,963
Spanish American War
306,760
1,662
385
World War I
4,734,991
204,002
53,402
World War II
16,112,566
671,846
291,557
Korean Conflict
5,720,000
103,284
33,741
Vietnam Conflict
8,744,000
153,303
47,424
Persian Gulf War
2,225,000
467
147
*The above numbers have qualifying conditions associated with them. See references 1 and 2 below for details if needed.
Additional Web Sites
http://www.remember.gov/ :Ensuring the Nation remembers our Fallen.
Credits
1 Department of Defense, http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personnel/CASUALTY/WCPRINCIPAL.pdf2 LibrarySpot. StartSpot Mediaworks, Inc. Evanston, IL http://www.libraryspot.com/listwars.htm 3 Average of estimates provided in "1" above
American Military Casualties in Iraq: 4,302 [includes latest fatality on May 27, 2009]
Below listed in order as follows:
Date:
Total:
In Combat:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03):
4,302
3450
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) (the list)
4163
3342
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03):
3841
3144
Since Handover (6/29/04):
3443
2817
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09):
74
15
American Wounded
Official: 31285
Latest Fatality May 27, 2009
[ Americans, on both sides, were also killed during conflict with American Indians, but I have not entered those numerical statistics]
Collectively, all Americans killed in battle throughout our history [as of May 27, 2009] equates to 631,349. As tragic and sorrowful as all these are which offered their lives on the "Altar of Freedom", it pales in comparison to the calamity of the "Silent Holocaust", in which we so willingly offer up to the seemingly unquenchable appetite, upon the "Altar of Convenience", our very own innocent and defenseless flesh and blood, the very lest of these, our very bright hope for the future. If we were to view our unborn children strictly as a commodity, we would immediately come to the conclusion that they represent our most valuable resource. Yet we willfully distort, disregard, and neglectfully ignore the absolute truth of the sanctity and right to life of the yet unborn human life. The destruction and slaughter of unprotected innocent babies per year in this country alone is reported to be 1,200,000, approximately 3,300 per day, 137 1/2 per hour and estimated to be between 35-50,000,000 since abortion was nationally legalized due to Roe vs. Wade in 1973. However, the state of Colorado had previously legalized abortion in 1967. It is conservatively estimated that world wide abortions total an astounding 50,000,000 per year, 136,000 per day, 5,666 per hour. Now let's compare the number of casualties of our armed, trained, mature and willing soldiers from all the engagements previously mentioned throughout Americas history to the "Silent Holocaust" of the innocent unborn and unprotected babies. As previously stated, the total of American war casualties equaled 631,349. This amount encompasses a time span of approximately 239 years[2,868 months] of American history. Yet within only 6 1/2 months, in this country alone, we exceed the total amount of people killed in our entire history. We rightly lament over the Jewish Holocaust, the World Trade Center attacks, the killing fields of Cambodia, and the genocides in third world countries. People organize to passionately protest the harvesting of whales, trees, animals etc. In my opinion, Americans have the utmost of compassion, love, care, generosity and clemency. There are Testaments written and monuments erected, throughout our great nation attesting to our steadfast belief in the right of every living soul to the pursuit of happiness, with freedom, liberty and the God given right to life. So how has it become possible, in this great nation, that the right to life of the unborn has been exempt? What form of deceptive cadence have we erroneously allowed ourselves to implement?
Webster's New World Dictionary defines the meaning of abortion as "any expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive, especially if induced on purpose". A definition from Webster"s Dictionary of a fetus, "a developing Human Being in the uterus, a bringing forth, bearing, progeny, offspring". When we greet a pregnant woman we ask, " How are you feeling and how is your baby?", we do not ask her, " How are you feeling and how is your body?", concerning her unborn child. We have women using the argument of demanding the full control of their bodies as they deem necessary and appropriate. I believe in full freedom of choice, we were created with a free will to choose either good or evil, right or wrong. I do not have a disagreement with that, but I do have a conflict with one imposing their authority of death over another independent and defenseless child. The lie, supposing that the unborn baby is the mother's body, is easily rectified with DNA testing which will ultimately prove there of course is a similarity, but undeniably a difference, being a combination of mother and father to equal a separate and distinct human being. The baby is not an organ of the mother, but a separate living, developing human being which receives its substance, protection, right to be born and life, through the cooperation and responsibility of the mother. I wish to thank President Obama for the acknowledgment a couple of weeks ago, during one of his speeches, in the recognition to the fact that the pregnant woman is actually carrying a baby, by calling the developing child a baby. Also for his comments in reference to bringing the total amount of abortions in this country down to a minimum[whatever a minimum equals]. But he also stated that if one of his girls made a so-called mistake, he would not want to see their lives burdened down with raising a child. So the "Altar of Convenience" would again receive another sacrifice. The President also spoke a couple of weeks back on the United States' "perceived moral credibility" within the nations of this world. He referenced the Abu Gray/Gitmo detention facility in Cuba, in which known and believed, armed and trained terrorists, are justly being held and interrogated. Sighting the decline of America's morality during the eight years President Bush was in office, in which America has lost the moral fortitude and basis to stand in order to lead the nations of this world. Yet he supports the extinguishing of truly innocent human life. Even in the case when an abortion goes wrong, and the child is born, he voted to pass the law to allow the child to lay there and die, in a medical facility, without any intervention or medical attention. How is it, that we consider ourselves more civilized, moral and sophisticated than the barbaric pagans for their belief in which they sacrificed their children to receive favor [making their lives more convenient] from their gods? How is it we are so steadfast on gifting onto terrorists, the right to life and comforts, investing billions of dollars on research for the protection of this earth and all of its inhabitants, exert untold hours in labor toward the betterment of mankind, while we put to death, with great resolve, tens of millions of children a year world wide? We are extinguishing the very same precious life we are trying so hard to extend and improve.
According to our studies, abortion is the main cause of death on this planet each year. Under our current law, a women can have an abortion any time up until birth, including a partial birth abortion for any reason. The womb has become the most dangerous place for a baby to habatit. Prior to 1967 and then nationally in 1973, abortion was illegal in every state. Pre-legalized abortion indicates 25% of children being born in America were adopted, post legalized abortion shows only 2% of children being adopted, with an estimated minimum of 23% of all conceived children being aborted. Within 18 days [2 1/2 weeks] the baby's heart begins to beat, in 7 weeks the baby starts movements, in 8 weeks every part of the baby's system is present, brains, lungs, nervous system, eyes etc. In just 21 weeks a premature baby can survive outside the womb with today's technology. The Justices in the Roe vs. Wade ruling stated that abortions are to be "safe and rare", yet look what fruit that ruling has produced in this country. We have found that 93% of all abortions have involved both healthy moms and babies, explaining their so called legitimate reasons being unready for the responsibility, failed contraception, finances, timing, physiological problems, unwanted child, failure of support from father, pressure from family/friends, rape and incest [a total of 1% of pregnancies a year are produced by these two reasons], fetal handicap, tubular pregnancy, sex selection, etc. An alarming 40% of women under the age of 45 have had at least one abortion. Does this seem rare to you? Yet after the opportunity of viewing an ultra sound, 80% of women who decided to have an abortion recanted their decision. With each abortion conducted, there is a projection of 5 people affected, including a very high possibility of post-abortion syndrome, producing guilt, regret, depression, lack of self worth, alcohol and drug abuse, eating, sleeping and sexual disorders, disruption of interpersonal relationships, suicidal tendencies, etc. While there is no definitive data available on the number of men and women who suffer from post-abortion syndrome, conservative estimates by professionals put men at 50% and women at 65%. As we truthfully reflect on all that is known, medically and scientifically, including what is in our own hearts, minds and consciences, we must intelligently and with common sense, come to the conclusion that human life begins at conception. There was never any part of our development inside our mothers womb, when we were not a living human being. The law of Biogenesis is the scientific law which states that every living creature reproduces after its own kind; humans beget humans, dogs beget dogs, rats beget rats etc. Let us repent from our selfish desires and reinstitute the moral character and fiber which has seemed to dissolve with each passing year as we indulge in the lie of secular progressivism and the belief in which there is no absolute truth in which everything is relative. May we keep in the fore-front of our minds these innocent, defenseless, voiceless and powerless, the very least amongst us the God given right to life, as each of us were granted the ability to enjoy as we remain, "in remembrance of these".
In my opinion, those claiming the excuse of unsurety of the facts, should err only on the side of life and what is good and moral. If a position can be changed with the proper studies, proof and facts, then it is always possible to reevaluate your position, but as with any other important decision, proper, adequate, truthful and factual intelligence must be provided.
Below I have entered access to an article in reference to an embryo[egg], which has been fertilized by the father, frozen and put into storage. The article relates to the fact in which life begins at conception.
This girl is 14 years old: Toddler Shani is nearly three... but she was conceived over a decade ago in 1995 and her embryo frozen
By Georgina Horton Last updated [June 1] -- Shani Moran-Simmonds is only 2 1/2 years old. But she was conceived 14 years ago.
The British toddler is believed to be one of the world's oldest "frozen babies," reports London's Daily Mail.
"When Shani was born and I held my own baby in my arms at last, I just couldn't believe it," Debbie said. "I didn't know that I would ever know happiness like it -- or that such joy could follow such devastation."
Get more on the story from the Daily Mail.
Day #1: Conception, Mommy and Daddy I feel life springing in me.
Day #18: Oh Mommy, my heart is beating and I hear your heart in rhythm with mine.
Week #7: Mommy, I am only a few inches long, but I am growing very fast, but of course you know that because you sense my moving as little butterflies fluttering inside you as I stretch and move trying out my new arms and legs.
Week #8: Mommy, all my organs are present. I think I got my brains from Dad, but I have your eyes, ears and good looks. I love the sound of your voice. Every time I hear it, I wave my arms and legs. The sound of your heart beat is my favorite lullaby.
Week #10: Hey Mommy, guess what? today I learned how to suck my thumb, if you could see me, you could definitely tell I am a baby. I am not big enough to survive outside my home though, it is so nice and warm in here.
Week #12: Mommy, oh Mommy I am a girl just like you! I hope that makes you happy. I always want you to be happy, I do not like it when I hear you cry, you sound so sad, and it makes me sad, too. I always cry with you even though you cannot hear me.
Week #16: Mommy my hair is starting to grow, it is very short and fine, but I know I will have a lot of it. I just hope it will be as beautiful and long as yours. We can spend hours together doing each other's hair. I spend a lot of time exercising. I can turn my head, curl my fingers and toes, stretch my arms and legs. I am becoming quite good at it, too as I am able to tickle you inside.
Week #20: Mommy you went to the Doctor today, he lied to you! He said that I am not a baby. I am a baby! I am your baby! Mommy, what's abortion??
Week #24: Mommy, I can hear that bad Doctor's voice again, he seems very cold and heartless. Mommy what is this? something is protruding into my home! I think that bad man called it a needle. Oh, ouch, ouch it burns so bad. Mommy make it stop, please help me, help me, I can't get away from it, it burns so bad, Mommy why is this happening?, Mommy I love you.........................
Mommy, I am in the arms of Jesus, He is hugging me and loving me. He has promised me there will be no more pain or suffering. He explained abortion to me. Why didn't you want me Mommy? I am sorry for whatever I did to make you not want me, please forgive me Mommy, I still love you!
It is inevitable, just as you were born so shall you die, so there will also come a day, when these men and women will stand before our Creator, along side these innocent lives, to give an account.
What are some ways we can intervene in this plight?
Pray for our leaders and nation. That God would grant us wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding and revelation on all matters concerning this great country. In order for us to implement the correct statutes and course of action.
Support Criss Pregnancy Centers and other private organizations which help pregnant women make the right decision.
Contact our Representatives and demand that they stand against any type of abortion Legislation.
Contact our Representatives and demand they write new Legislation overturning the existing laws that protect the abortion procedure which includes:
*No tax payer money to fund any type of abortion procedure or any facility which supports abortion practices.
*Mandatory multiple Ultra-sounds viewed by both mother and father.
*Hold biological father accountable for well being of both baby and mother till the child's age of at least 18yrs.
*Mandatory education on the effects of post-abortion consequences to both mother and father.
*Hold accountable family members of adolescent children for the well being of the baby untill the parents become of age.
*Mandatory education of the true development of a baby weekly.
*Enable the adoption procedure in this country to be easy and swift.
*Hold criminally and civilly accountable all people and facilities which perform abortions on healthy mothers and their babies.
