Memorial Day 2016

Memorial Day. we here in the USA both remember and celebrate.

"At least 1.2 million people have died fighting for America during its wars dating back 241 years, according to Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs data.

Most died in battle, while many others never landed abroad but are no less honored on this Memorial Day.

Here’s a by-the-numbers breakdown of when and where they died, as of May 27, starting with the American Revolution:

American Revolution (1775-1783)

Battle Deaths: 4,435

War of 1812 (1812-1815)

Battle Deaths: 2,260

Indian Wars (approx. 1817-1898)

Battle Deaths (VA estimate): 1,000

Mexican War (1846-1848)

Battle Deaths: 1,733

Other Deaths (In Theater): 11,550

Civil War (1861-1865)

Battle Deaths (Union): 140,414

Other Deaths (In Theater)(Union): 224,097

Battle Deaths (Confederate): 74,524

Other Deaths (In Theater)(Confederate): 59,297

Richard Vogel/AP Photo

A Boy Scout salutes at the foot of a grave after volunteers placed flags at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, May 28, 2016 in preparation for Memorial Day.more +

Spanish-American War (1898-1902)

Battle Deaths: 385

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater): 2,061

World War I (1917-1918)

Battle Deaths: 53,402

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater): 63,114

World War II (1941 –1945)

Battle Deaths: 291,557

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater): 113,842

Korean War (1950-1953)

Battle Deaths: 33,739

Other Deaths (In Theater): 2,835

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater): 17,672

Vietnam War (1964-1975)

Battle Deaths: 47,434

Other Deaths (In Theater): 10,786

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater): 32,000

(These cover period 11/1/55 to 5/15/75)

Susan Walsh/AP Photo

Visitors are reflected in the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, May 27, 2016.

Desert Shield/Desert Storm (1990-1991)

Battle Deaths: 148

Other Deaths (In Theater): 235

Other Deaths in Service (Non-Theater): 1,565

Global War on Terror, including Iraq and Afghanistan (Oct 2001 - present)

Total Deaths: 6,888.

In addition to those, the State Department Office of the Historian lists the Philippine-American War, 1899 to 1902, citing the deaths of more than 4,200 U.S. combatants. "

Facts posted by ABC News at this link http://abcnews.go.com/US/memorial-day-12m-people-died-fighting-america/story?id=39475580

As you settle in for that weekend gathering of friends and family, and eat that awesome feast, please take a moment to reflect on the Fact that so many families gave their all for us to have the right to be the USA.

My own father served and was rescued after being injured by shrapnel during WWII, and was rewarded with a Purple Heart. We were rewarded by my father and mother meeting after his injury, and going on to have 6 children. I am thankful for that.

My father's Purple Heart and badges. My hero William B Durkin

No matter where you are, be thankful for those that fought for you.

I have posted plenty of recipes typically enjoyed at a BBQ in my other blogs, I am adding one for dessert here, so, enjoy your food, family, and friends, but, Never Forget!

Ingredients

• 1 package Sugar Cookie Dough
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans ( Optioal)
• 1 pint Strawberries
• 1 pint Blueberries
• 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
• 1½ c Powdered Sugar
• 1 tsp Vanilla

Instructions

1. Roll sugar cookie dough into 9-10 inch circle on a pizza baking sheet.  
2.  Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the dough, and press into dough if desired. ( I do, indeed!)
3. Bake according to package instructions (will spread slightly).
4. Let cookie cool.
5. Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a stand mixer until completely combined.
6. Spread cream cheese mixture  onto cooled cookies.
7. Add sliced strawberries and whole blueberries. Chill for about an hour or more.
8. Cut into pieces and serve.

 Tips:

use any fruit you desire for other occasions.

Chop strawberries and let " mascerate" in a bit of sugar, then use as topping just before serving the cheesecake pizza