Marine Corps Birthday Toast

I know what I said. I would never do this again at this place. But I was asked to do this by the Proprietors and Staff of The Broadway Lounge. It also helps that the owner is a Veteran of the United States Army. (No, I don’t hold it against him-not everyone was born to be Marine). When I was approached with this my eyes rolled and I shook my head, no.

But an old Army Master Sergeant who was there last year and despite how I thought things went, reminded me that a few Vets who did show up were quite moved by the observances. We toasted the President, The Armed Forces Veterans, Those Serving in Active Duty Around the World, The Marine Corps and a special observance For the Fallen and Prisoners of War.

We have Veterans who come into the Lounge regularly a Veteran Soldier with the 1st Air Cavalry (part of 7th Army – Custers Division), Airborne soldiers from the 82nd Airborne, 101st Airborne and the 173rd Airborne. We have Airmen who come in from time to time and a good number of Sailors. The Marines who come into the Lounge are so few, he can be counted on one hand.

Why do this? Because we take for granted that the Veterans from all conflicts from all branches all during the 20th Century have served and sacrificed on every level imaginable to make this country the greatest place in the world to live life as a free being. Some of them are our Dad’s, Uncle’s, Grandpa, Grandma, Mom, Auntie, Sister or Brother. Have you ever asked them about their service? What they went through?

On the Marine Corps Birthday we will share, observe and celebrate American Veterans and the Marine Corps. Most of you have no idea that we wouldn’t have a nation without the Corps. Before there was an America, there was a Marine Corps. I will post a lot about American History later. But now I want to give you something to think about.


Casualties in Iraq The Human Cost of Occupation Edited by Margaret Griffis :: Contact
American Military Casualties in Iraq
Date Total In Combat American Deaths

Since war began (3/19/03):
4177

Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) (the list)
4038

Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03):
3716

Since Handover (6/29/04):
3311

Since Election (1/31/05):
2731

American Wounded
Official

Estimated
Total Wounded:
30680
Over 100000
Latest Fatality Oct. 1, 2008
Page last updated 10/3/08 11:55 am EDT
List of U.S. Servicemembers killed since 5/1/03
Put a Casualty Counter on Your Website

U.S. Wounded
Daily DoD Casualty Release
320,000 Vets Have Brain Injuries
War Veterans’ Concussions Are Often Overlooked
How Many Servicemembers Were Wounded?
18 Vet Suicides Per Day?

Iraqi Casualties
Others

Other Coalition Troops - Iraq
314

US Military Deaths - Afghanistan
609

Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan
376

Contractor Deaths - Iraq
444

Sources: DoD, MNF, and iCasualties.org

The Faces
The List
Sources
American Casualties
Iraqi Casualties
Contact
U.S. lacks mechanism to accurately track troops wounded in Iraq
Also see The Missing Wounded.

American Count
Dates and sources of Americans killed in Iraq since 5/1/03 are documented in this file. Admittedly the file is incomplete, for the Department of Defense does not maintain old records. All data was compiled from http://www.defenselink.mil/If something is amiss in the data collection, please contact Margaret Griffis.

From I-Casualties.com


"The dangerous patriot...drifts into chauvinism and exhibits blind enthusiasm for military actions."
Colonel James A. Donovan, Marine Corps

Even if you were never served in the U.S. Armed Forces, please have the decency to come down and have a drink with someone who has. All Veterans are honored when a Citizen observes their service. Do come out and enjoy with this with those who have served.

"For those who fight for it, life has a flavor the protected will never know"
Written on a C-ration box by an Unknown Marine at the Battle of Khe Sahn, 1968

Comments welcome.

RJ