We are watching the invasion of Ukraine by Russia and the live reports from the front. Most are used to seeing this type of media coverage since the war in Vietnam.
As we celebrate Memorial Day in honor of the over 1 million 2 hundred thousand American soldiers that have died since the founding of our country, it is important to note that, in the end, it is the ultimate sacrifice by these warriors that has achieved and sustained a unique way of life and an experiment that values democratic participation. Not every people that have attempted to adopt and live by this concept has succeeded and not every success has been sustained over time.
A prime example is Ukraine that is fighting for its very life as a new democracy. Russia, its giant neighbor to the north and east wants to reestablish an empire that came apart after 1988.
Autocratic designs are being advanced in a bloodletting that does not distinguish between the military and civilians. To date, the Russian invaders have lost over 60 thousand soldiers while the Ukrainian Army estimated death toll is between 16 and 17 thousand.
But the story of sacrifice and death is much larger than that as over 100 thousand Ukrainian civilians have lost their lives mainly to Russian military weapons and technology. The notion of the ultimate sacrifice and dying for your country and way of life is being turned up-side-down by the civilian community whose blood is being shed over all others.
In future years, their memorial monuments and celebrations will have to account for this sacrifice on behalf of freedom. Also, the blood on the hands of the Kremlin cannot be wiped clean by treaties, understanding or negotiations.
The 620,000 military dead in the American Civil War was, by far, the bloodiest and most costly in lives for the country. The sacrifice was equal to the task of building “a more perfect union.”
It could be argued that much of the cost in blood could have been avoided if our leadership could have tolerated more division in thinking and acting by the different regions of the country.
However, President Lincoln drew a line in the sand that held fast against the idea of dividing the nation into two countries or keeping America “half slave and half free.”
The second biggest military death toll (420,000) was caused by World War II and the destiny of the United States that was to include becoming the international leader and the model for democracy around the world. The status as a superpower for the good continues today and is very evident in its role in helping to save Ukraine from tyranny.
Although the Vietnam War cost the country a fraction of the other two (58,220), it proved to be the moment to turn away from conscription and the draft to a volunteer and professional military. The national division created by that war helped force the change.
The shift has led to less deaths in subsequent wars like only 147 in the Gulf War, 4,431 in Iraq and 2,402 in Afghanistan. Also, a military career has become a genuine option at all levels.
The place to be this Memorial Day is the graveyard of a fallen loved one. In many cases, that place may be Fort Logan National Cemetery.
Before or after that gravesite visit, honor those fallen soldiers by attending one of several parades by veteran organizations and others. Enjoy the holiday and give thanks to those who secured your freedom.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of la Voz bilingüe. Comments and responses may be directed to news@lavozcolorado.com.
