Memorial Day
On May 31st, all Americans worldwide were asked to pause for 60 seconds at 3 p.m., their local time wherever they were, to honor America's fallen and to recognize veterans and today's servicemen and women, particularly those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The request was part of the National Moment of Remembrance activities slated to coincide with the Memorial Day observance.

The 3 p.m. local time start was chosen because it is the time when many Americans are enjoying their freedoms on this holiday. Memorial Day was established as a national holiday in 1868 for observance on the last Monday in May to pay tribute to those who died serving the nation.
September  11t
On this date, we remember not only the attacks on the World Trade Center Towers and the Pentagon in the United States, but also numerous catastrophes observed around the world whose origins have been attributed to terrorism. We call to mind the massacre in Beslan, the bombings in Asia and the Middle East, and the carnage closer to home, the 11M attack in Madrid. 

Our solidarity remains strong as we support those who work for peace around the world.
Revolutionary War (1775-1783) -- Estimated total who served: 184,000 to 250,000. Total deaths: 4,435
War of 1812 (1812-1815) -- Total who served: 286,730. Total deaths: 2,260
Mexican War (1846-1848) -- Total who served: 78,718. Total deaths: 13,283
Civil War (1861-1865) -- Total Union forces: 2,213,363; Estimated Confederate forces: 600,000 to 1,500,000 Total Union deaths: 364,511 Estimated Confederate deaths: 133,321 to 164,820
Spanish-American War (1898) -- Total who served: 306,760. Total deaths: 2,446
World War I (1917-18) -- Total who served: 4,734,991. Total deaths (including those killed in the Russian intervention August 1919 - April 1920): 11,516

Approximately 362 armed service members have died in operations other than these major conflicts. These include the Iranian Hostage Rescue Mission, Lebanon Peacekeeping, Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Restore Hope in Somalia and Haiti´s Operation Uphold Democracy.
Navy League
of the
United States,
Barcelona Council
Updated
September 1, 2004
A recent Gallup Poll indicated that 28% of Americans do not know the meaning of Memorial Day. More than 60 percent do not observe Memorial Day in any way. To help alleviate this situation the commission has started "Patriots Patrol",  which a special program being developed geared toward educating elementary school students. Under the program, schools are encouraged to educate their students on what Memorial Day is and how it started. It includes a story about someone who died fighting for the freedoms Americans enjoy and a "Roll Call Remembrance"; in which a bell is rung and a child says, "We remember those from the Revolutionary War who died for us." This is repeated through a roll call of all of America's wars (see side bar).

Starting in 2004, the commission invited trumpet players across the country to play Taps at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day in the moment's Echoes of Remembrance throughout America, and urged Americans to perform its Memorial Day anthem.

Additional information can be obtained at www.remember.gov
[Source: American Forces Press Service 27 May 04]
America´s Wars
The White House Commission on Remembrance was established in DEC 2000 to promote the spirit of unity and remembrance through the minute-long observance. Congress wanted to ensure that the nation remembers the sacrifices of America's fallen from the Revolutionary War to the present. Lawmakers also wanted to recognize the devotion to duty of veterans and all those who continue to serve the nation and remind all Americans of their common heritage.
World War II (1941-1946) -- Total who served: 16,112,566. Total deaths: 405,399
Korean War (1950-1953) -- Total who served: 5,720,00. Total deaths: 36,568 (final list still being compiled)
Vietnam Conflict (1964-1973) -- Total who served: 8,744,000. Total deaths: 58,203 (casualty records still being compiled)
Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm (1990-1991) -- Estimated total who served: 467,939 to 665,476. Total deaths: 382
Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan and the Philippines (2002-2003) -- Total deaths: 80 (unofficial)
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004) -- Total deaths 133 (unofficial)


HAPPY BIRTHDAY

U. S. A.

Fourth of July
On September 11th, we pay tribute to those who have died in responding to "clear and present dangers" and express our gratitutde to troops fighting the War on Terrorism.