Dedication important to those serving in the Middle East

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The Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial adjacent to the Illinois River south of Marseilles is a reminder of sacrifices and service. John Montesano photo

By John Montesano

As we welcome in another new year and a new decade, many of us welcome a new set of resolutions. I am not much of a resolution-maker, but there is something that I have wished for every year: Peace on earth.

Unfortunately, in my lifetime, there have been few years, if any, that our country has not been involved in some armed conflict. Since “911,” Operation Enduring Freedom (the war in Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation New Dawn (Iraq) have put our young men and women in harm’s way.

As of July 7, 2018 there have been: 5,352 U.S. military deaths as the result of hostile action; 52,383 American service members wounded in action; and the countless number who suffer from PTSD who returned home, but not unharmed. When you add in the number of family members affected by these casualties, the numbers become overwhelming.

I recently visited the Middle East Conflicts Wall Memorial in Marseilles near the Illinois River and the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial which has a display of 250 Illinois fallen in Illini State Park just south of Marseilles. It is one thing to read about the fallen, and quite another to see them spread out in these types of displays. It certainly had a significant and profound effect on me.

We must remember that our young people today are volunteering for the mission to protect our freedom, no matter the cost. They don’t ask if what they are doing is right, or, wrong. They only do what is asked of them. To them and their families, we owe a debt of gratitude.

Therefore, let us dedicate January to those serving in the Middle East conflicts and to the veterans who have served.

We cannot afford to forget them, or take them for granted. They represent the present, and the future, of our country.

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