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KUWAIT. Burgan oil feilds. 1991. U. S. Marines pose with a burnt-out vehicle on which they have written “Free Kuwait”.

Oil wells on fire during the Gulf War in Kuwait, 1991.

KUWAIT. Burgan oil fields. 1991. The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq took place on August 2, 1990. It was followed by the Allied intervention under operation Desert Storm. The Allies finally liberated Kuwait on February 27, 1991 after 7 months of occupation and 5 weeks of war.

The origin of the Battle Cross is lost in the fog of half remembered History. It most likely started around the time of the American Civil War when a fallen soldier’s weapon with bayonet fixed was thrust into the ground to mark his temporary grave, usually on the spot where he fell.

In World Wars I and II the rifle and bayonet marker was made even more poignant with the addition of the soldiers helmet placed upon the butt stock of the rifle. It was at this time that the dog tag was also added so that Graves Registration personnel could readily identify the deceased. The personalizing of the expedient marker also served to turn the Battle Cross into much more of a memorial that it had been previously.

During the Korean War rapid removal of the fallen troops to the rear area made the Battle Cross less of a necessity and more of a tribute. It became a touchstone for the surviving soldiers through which to say a final farewell. 

Starting with the First Persian Gulf War and extending through to today we see the latest evolution of the Battle Cross with weapon, helmet, dog tags, and boots. There is some variance in the interpretation of the symbolism given to the components of the Battle Cross but generally it is as follows. The helmet and rifle symbolize that the soldier was killed in action. The fixed bayonet rammed into the ground means that he went down fighting. The boots signify that the troop has made his final march into battle.  The dog tags are there so that the soldier and his sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Today is Memorial Day and we are going to enjoy this unofficial beginning of Summer with our loved ones and that is a very good thing.  The men and women we honor today, whether they fell on the frozen ground of Valley Forge or the desiccated sand of Iraq, all gave their lives so that we could enjoy the fruits of liberty.  We should do so, but we should also give a thought to the cost of that liberty and to those who paid the price.

THE VIETNAM WAR: PBS Previews

Reportero: “Copa Confederaciones, Copa Oro ¿Cual te hace más ilusión de ir?”