NationStates Jolt Archive

Today is known by many as the unofficial beginning of summer. A day for barbecues, picnics, play outside, and swimming in recently-opened pools. But its more than that. Its name itself tells us what its true meaning is. Its a day of honoring those who have fallen in combat so we could have barbecues, picnics, outdoor activities, swims in the pool. From the American Revolution to the current War in Iraq, millions have died to create or preserve the American dream: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. They put their own lives on the line for us, for people other than themselves. They were at the Battle of Yorktown, the burning of Washington D.C., the Alamo, the Battle of Gettysburg, the destruction of the U.S.S. Maine, the battle of Cantigny, the attack on Pearl Harbor, D-Day, the Inchon Offensive, The Vietnam War, the 1st Gulf War, and the Battle for Fallujah. None of these battles are greater or of less importance than the others, as each one cost the lives of U.S. citizens who protected America. I ask you this: Today, have fun and have picnics, but take time to remember those who have died for you, for your family, for your country. And thank any veterans you know for what they have done.

I can't have a beer for every American Veteran that I know, but maybe I can pop a can for each of the American Wars since the Revolution, let's see, how many would that be? A case or just a twelve pack? Do we count all types of confrontations in addition to the 'declared' wars?

Duplicate thread: post here http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=422644

Duplicate thread: post here http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=422644

Thanks LP. How you doin'?

I am a major conservative, yes, but its true that Iraq isn't a declared war. But it still counts. I'll list the wars for you:

American Revolution
War of 1812
War with Mexico
Civil War
Spanish-American War
WWI
WWII
Korean War
Vietnam War
Persian Gulf War
War with Iraq

This list excludes the Cold War, as that was more of a political struggle for superiority. In all, there have been 11 major conflicts in American History. Also the list excluded all minor military operations the U.S. has taken part in.

Thanks LP. How you doin'?
Keepin an eye on the forums :D I feel like a mod.

Thanks LP. How you doin'?
Oh, I apologize, Zooke. I didn't see your thread.

I am a major conservative, yes, but its true that Iraq isn't a declared war. But it still counts. I'll list the wars for you:

American Revolution
War of 1812
War with Mexico
Civil War
Spanish-American War
WWI
WWII
Korean War
Vietnam War
Persian Gulf War
War with Iraq

This list excludes the Cold War, as that was more of a political struggle for superiority. In all, there have been 11 major conflicts in American History. Also the list excluded all minor military operations the U.S. has taken part in.

You forgot Beirut 1980's (250+ American veterans dead is a high enough number to count in my book), and the Quasi-War with France 1798-1801 (although entirely a Sea War, it had several engagements and lasted for years) and maybe a couple of others... Maybe we should determine the number of battles or casualties to qualify for this list?

Oh, I apologize, Zooke. I didn't see your thread.

No problem. Can't say "thanks" too many times or too many ways. Don't forget the war in Afghanistan. Probably roll it and Iraq up into one, the War on Terror.

Do we count all types of confrontations in addition to the 'declared' wars?


Actually according to international law, we did declare war on Iraq. According to the Hague Conventions a declaration of war is made when you either declare war, or if you give another country an ultimatum. Which Bush most certainly did when he stated that Saddam & sons had 48 hours to leave the country or we would attack. Thus, under international law, we did declare war on Iraq. Same thing with Afghanistan, we gave the ultimatum to the Taliban to hand over bin Laden or we would attack. Both are declarations of war. Because of the "ultimatum clause" in the conventions of war.