Great Sacrifices
Throughout our history, the American people have "come to the plate" with compassion and strength to help others in their times of need. Millions of American men and women have sacrificed their lives for the good of others all around the globe. This page is a tribute and a memorial to those brave Americans who gave it all, and for the surviving families, who were left to continue on in the absence of their fallen heroes.
The American Civil War (1861-1865)
We cannot begin without first looking into our own backyard. The American Civil War was a war between Eleven Southern slave states (the Confederacy) led by Jefferson Davis against the U.S. federal government (the Union). The Confederacy fought against the Union which was supported by all free states and the five slaveholding border states.
Abraham Lincoln had campaigned against the expansion of slavery and as a result
of his victory as President and taking office on March 4, 1861, seven more Southern
states joined the secession.
The first hostilities began on April 12, 1861 when the Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Lincoln responded by calling for a volunteer army from each state which led to the secession of four more states.
The American Civil War was fought to prevent the expansion of slavery into newly created territories. Southerners feared the loss of control of the federal government and Northerners feared that the Southern slave power already controlled the government.
One of the greatnesses of America is that it recognizes injustices and takes action to correct them. The exact number of lives sacrificed to end slavery will never be known, but more than 364,000 battle and other deaths, and more than 281,000 wounded were suffered by the Union alone during the
American Civil War.
We Will Never Forget, September 11, 2001
On that day, America was attacked by a small group of Islamic extremist because they have nothing but
contempt for our lifestyle. But instead of tearing down America, that day made us stronger and once again reunited all Americans. They failed, but America succeeded.
There were 2,774 fatalities on September 11, 2001 with 24 people still listed as missing at the World Trade Center. Amazingly, the numbers are not higher considering there were approximately 17,400 people in those buildings that day.
Why is that so? Because of the ultimate sacrifices made by 411 Fire Fighters, Police Officers, and EMS workers, who without second thought, risked it all to save thousands and thousands of people.
We must also remember those who lost their lives on United 93 & 175, and American 11 & 177, and the Pentagon. No words, no matter how eloquent can bring back our loved ones and the only thing that could be said now is thank you to all those brave men and women who gave their lives to save thousands of people who they never knew.