By Derek Thompson | The Selma Times-Journal

For every American soldier killed in World Wars I and II, there were 1.7 soldiers wounded, and In Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, for every US soldier killed, seven are wounded, according to the official website of the Wounded Warrior Project.

The nation will celebrate the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation Saturday, and honor the sacrifices of our nation’s military.

To show its thanks, Winn Dixie and the rest of Southeastern Grocers’ associates will donate all of its stores’ profits to benefit Wounded Warrior Project’s Independence Program, which helps our most severely wounded service members find independence, on the Fourth of July.

“These guys that go out there and risk their lives so that we can have this freedom that we enjoy here in the United States, I think it is time that people stood up and took notice of them,” said Larry Crane, Air Force veteran and store director of the Winn Dixie on Dallas Avenue.

Wounded Warrior Project serves veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness or wound, co-incident to their military service on or after September 11, 2001, and their families.

“They come back with all kinds of disabilities and handicaps, and the VA got a bad rep not long ago about how the facilities and the doctors weren’t taking care of the vets like they should,” Crane said. “I think it is just awesome to do something where the funds can go to the Wounded Warrior Project to take care of these guys that have sacrificed their lives for our freedom.”

Three stores associated with their parent company, Southeastern Grocers, will take part in the donations Saturday, including Winn Dixie.

Individual contributions also can be made to the WWP at any of the three grocery stores’ web sites and in-store checkouts.

Crane said his store on Dallas Avenue is No. 1 in its 10-store district and No. 5 in the entire region as far as giving money to help the Wounded Warrior Project.

“This will be the first year that we dedicated a day in support of the Wounded Warrior Project where the proceeds from our store will go to that fund,” Crane said. “There’s over 700 stores now.”