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.

Monday was packed with events from a wreath-laying at the National Cemetery at Vicksburg National Military Park to one at Soldiers’ Rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery to a downtown parade and memorial service.

During the memorial service at City Auditorium the words that echoed over and over “All gave some; some gave all.”

The program, held at City Auditorium, featured speaker Brigadier General Donna Williams, of Vicksburg. Williams is the Deputy Commanding General – Support at the 412 Theater Engineer Command in Vicksburg.

Williams said the graves at Vicksburg and around the nation remind us that freedom isn’t free; it comes at a great cost.

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.

Vicksburg is a perfect place to reflect on that cost, and the VNMP and our veterans organizations do a great job to ensure we don’t forget.