1.3 Million Deaths

I'm a military brat, and proud of it.

The military brats subculture has emerged over the last 200 years.  The age of the phenomenon has meant military brats have also been described by a number of researchers as one of the America's oldest and yet least well-known and largely invisible subcultures.  They have also been described as a "modern nomadic subculture".  [Wikipedia]

My two grandfathers, Asa Logue (left) and B. J. Lincecum, and my father.  Not pictured is my maternal
grandmother.  She also served.  All saw war, though not all saw front-line combat.

I never considered myself as part of a subculture, but I suppose it's true.  Being America's oldest subculture makes sense, as the United States Army turns 241 today.  Since America' birthday is considered to be 4 July 1776, the United States Army is actually a year older than the country.

And though I did not plan to include this sentiment when I first decided to write this post, here it comes.  The reason we are a largely invisible subculture, in my opinion, is we learn duty at a young age.  You don't ask questions, and you don't whine.  You perform your obligatory task.  And, yes, I'm one of those who firmly believes that spouses and children of soldiers also serve their country.  I don't pretend it is to the same degree as those directly involved, but it is still service.  Like it or not, when a parent is a member of the United States military, that is their priority.  When the country calls, they must go.  Period.  No questions, no whining.  (I am in no way implying soldiers are not good, loving, solid parents.  So don't go there.)

A few sources, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, estimate the number of soldiers who died serving the United States since the American Revolution to be 1.1 to 1.3 million.  Since I don't think the numbers include those who died at a later date due to wounds received or disease contracted, I'm leaning toward a number even higher than 1.3 million.

As you might imagine, soldiers of the United States Army figure dearly in those numbers.

"The willingness to sacrifice is the prelude to freedom."
This memorial is dedicated with appreciation to the men and women whose loyalty and service during
times of war and peace define the character of this great nation.
"Remember Their Sacrifices"

"Two hundred forty-one years ago, our nation's leaders established the Continental Army.  Today, the Army
is the strategic land power of the joint force; called upon to prevent, shape, and win against our adversaries."
www.army.mil

The American Soldier – Always Ready, Always Leading – is "trained and ready to engage the nation's enemies in
conventional, asymmetrical, or full spectrum combat operations."
www.army.mil

God and the Soldier we adore
In times of danger, not before.
When danger has passed,
and all things right
God is forgotten and
the Soldier denied.

Happy 241st Birthday, U.S. Army! I am forever grateful for your service, and deeply humbled by your sacrifice.