5/29/06- Memorial Day

If you've gone to a Michigan football game you've probably walked right by it.  Just inside the main gate at Michigan Stadium rests a memorial which reads:

TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES FOR THEIR COUNTRY

In 1945 Michigan Stadium was dedicated to all Wolverines who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.  The bronze eagle memorial is a reminder that the freedoms that we take for granted have come with a steep price.

Remember

Today we take time to remember those who have died serving their country.  We remember the 5,000 people who died in the Revolutionary war, the 600,000 who died during the Civil War, the 50,000 who died in World War I, and the 200,000 who died in World War II, and everyone else who died in the service of their country. 

The stark reality is that US combat deaths are equal to the season attendance of Michigan football.  Not to mention the countless others who died during "peacetime" and countless seriously injured in service to their country.

So the next time you go to Michigan Stadium take some time to visit the memorial.  When you're sitting in your seat look around at the 100,000 people watching the game and consider how many Americans have given their lives to protect your way of life.

Despite all of the comparisons that we make between football and battle in reality football is just a game.  Everyone comes home from a Michigan football game no matter what the outcome. 

The same can't be said for those who have defended our country in its time of need.

Go Blue!

Phil Callihan
UMGoBlue.COM- By Fans...For Fans
phil@umgoblue.com

Return to UMGoBlue.COM Send Page