Sacramento Valley National Cemetery Director Ashaley Jackson had a simple request on Monday morning at Mare Island’s National Cemetery Memorial Day event. Say their names out loud. Since World War I, more than 600,000 people have lost their lives in military conflicts, according to data maintained by the U.
S. government. The deadliest conflict for the United States over this time frame was during World War II, where 400,000 service members died, while more than 7,000 military members have died as part of the military operations tied to Afghanistan and Iraq.
These aren’t just statistics — they’re people. People who had dreams, plans, ambitions that were cut short so instead generations after them could have those opportunities many take for granted. “Our presence today ensures that these veterans and their families will not be forgotten,” Jackson said.
“We have been given a sacred trust to care and maintain the memory of the service members and families who have been laid to rest here at Mare Island.” Earlier in the ceremony the point was also driven home by California State Representative Lori Wilson who said, “Our freedoms did not come free.” “On a beautiful day like today with the wind blowing and seeing the water from afar and realizing how blessed we are to breathe the air we are breathing right now,” Wilson said.
“We’re doing this now because of others that cannot. People we love, people we adore, people we cared for and people that served tha.