Renowned American writer William Faulkner once said, “Man will not merely endure. He will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance.” These words ultimately embody the indelible legacy left by fallen soldiers who suffered as a result of a cruel and perpetual war. However, commemorating a fallen soldier is not merely achieved by defining their awards and terms of service. Instead, it is a privilege, an opportunity to recognize the perils they encountered, the camaraderie they solidified, and the sacrifices they made for the restoration of global peace.

Sacrifice, a concept whose meaning has essentially become diluted with its frequent association with mass destruction and warfare, should not be regarded as a mere death on the battlefield. It is the abdication of one’s own life to defend a more significant cause. During the Second World War, more than 400,000 American soldiers were slain mercilessly at the hands of a brutal enemy on foreign soil. However, such a considerable loss of human life should not be interpreted as a number; these men did not willingly surrender their livelihoods on distant shores to be remembered by future generations as a statistic. Ultimately, each fallen soldier should be revered as an individual hero whose unwavering audacity allowed for the preservation of America’s freedom.

Ultimately, Mr. Callahan and thousands of other men lost their lives at a young age. However, their heroism and bravery will always be imprinted on the hearts of the American people; the nation itself would not be in existence today if not for every soldier’s exceptional perseverance and tenacity. Although they are no longer with us today, their memories will live on eternally, and we are forever grateful for their loyal service and selfless sacrifice.