The United States began as a dream. In defiance of tyranny, early Americans set out to create a nation like no other. The people, not aristocracy, would be the stewards of the new nation. Freedom from the overreaching arms of the British monarchy was the ultimate goal.

Against insurmountable odds, the young army defeated the mighty British. Since then, each time a threat to that freedom is posed, gallant Americans have risen to beat back the arm of cruelty and oppression. Many millions have served in operations domestic and foreign. An estimated 1.3 million of those paid the ultimate sacrifice — their lives. In Vicksburg, more than 20,000 were killed during the Siege. We were divided then and Confederates and Union troops do not share the same burial grounds at the Vicksburg National Military Park. They were all Americans, though, whatever the motivations behind the war.

More than 200 names adorn the Vicksburg Warren County War Memorial at Municipal Rose Garden at South and Monroe streets, each name a reminder of the sacrifices paid by members of the United States Armed Forces in World War I and II, Korea and Vietnam.

On the memorial reads the following:

“Lest We Forget”

“Here are recorded the names of Mississippians from Warren County who gave their lives in order that we, trusting in God, shall not fear the power of any adversaries. Grant unto them, O Lord, eternal rest. Let us here highly resolve that the cause for which they died shall forever live.”

Once a year, on Memorial Day, we honor all of those who fell in battle. The last Monday of each May is a time for reflection. It is a time to remember. It is a time to attempt to digest the costs put forth by our brothers and sisters, fathers and grandfathers, to keep America together.

The roar of 2 stroke engines will echo off the bluffs of Vicksburg Monday as nearly 500 motorcyclists make their way across the Interstate 20 bridge over the Mississippi River enroute to Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day.

The annual run, called the POW-MIA Run For The Wall honors the memory of those killed in action, prisoners of war and those veterans listed as missing in action during the Vietnam War.

The United States is the beacon. Many scrap and claw for a chance of experiencing what those who live here have every day — freedom. That freedom has come at a dramatic cost.

Honor those sacrifices. Fly the American flag. Reflect on the 1.3 million people — about equal to the population of Dallas — who took up arms in defense of this country, and never returned home to enjoy its spoils.

Remember those who never came home. Remember those 208 names —fathers and sons, brothers and friends — who never saw the results of their gallant efforts.

Though many times we appear to be a divided nation politically, we all find rest under the flag of freedom so many fought to protect. Honor them.