Soldiers Lost, Stories Untold: Remembering the Forgotten on Memorial Day
Memorial Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by approximately 1.3 million American soldiers throughout history. While many associate the day with leisure activities, it is also a time to reflect on the lives lost, including those who succumbed to diseases during wartime. The article highlights the importance of remembering these individuals and their stories, emphasizing that true commemoration involves living freely in their honor.
- ▪Approximately 1,308,468 men and women have died in American wars, with many succumbing to diseases rather than combat.
- ▪The Civil War saw a significant number of deaths due to disease, with two-thirds of casualties resulting from illnesses.
- ▪Recent discoveries in Lake George, N.Y., revealed the remains of 44 Continental soldiers who died during a smallpox outbreak.
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Soldiers Lost, Stories Untold: Remembering the Forgotten on Memorial Day Kevin Downey Jr. | 1:00 AM on May 25, 2026 AP Photo/Kathy Matheson I used to believe it was wrong, even disrespectful, to "celebrate" Memorial Day, the day that honors the roughly 1,308,468 men and women who died to create and preserve our nation and the liberties we enjoy (I also include in that number those who died of disease, accidents, and other causes). Who am I to take a day off to grill hot dogs, drink Carling Black Label, blare surf music, and have fun in “honor” of those who died protecting our nation and fighting communism overseas? It always struck me as tasteless.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at PJ Media.
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