A New War

There is a new war and new faces to commemorate on this Memorial Day - those who died on the frontline of the COVID-19 war.  

Some will take umbrage to this because their family member, friend, compatriot actually gave their lives defending this country.  I truly get it.  I honor them. I honor you.  I honor your pain and memories.  

The people dying on the frontlines of COVID-19 have died while we fight this war.  This is a new battleground.  Nearly 100,000 have already died, which is more than those who died in almost all the US involved wars combined.  This is a war that involves many countries on tall continents except Antartica.  There are battles between China and the United States.  Who did what and who didn't do what.  Border lines are drawn.  China, Iran, Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland and other countries were barred from entering the United States.  Brazil is now banned as it lacklusterly battles its internal war against the disease, similar to the United States when it first began.  Columbia University in a study, reports that up to 54,000 less would have died if the United States had taken a preemptive strike. 

New York Times, in its 5/24/2020 edition, dedicated its front page and two other pages to 1,000 of the 98,000+ who have died in the United States.  They get it.

On an 11:00 p.m. news broadcast on 5/24/2020, it showcased a veteran from Queens, NY, playing Taps for those who died from COVID-19.  He gets it.

Until the COVID-19 fallen warriors get their day, I choose to celebrate them today, along with all fallen war warriors. 

I hope you get it.

Update:  On 5/27/2020, the number of people who died from COVID-19 reached 100,000.