By death and hell pursued in vain,
To Thee the ransomed seed shall come,
Shouting their heavenly Zion gain,
And pass through death triumphant home.”
–Charles Wesley
“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.”
–Romans 5:10(NASB)
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I am sitting here, at my desk, staring at the computer. I’m trying to come up with the right words to put down, and with my limited vocabulary it isn’t easy. I’m thinking of the times that I have visited Arlington and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. When I stand there, I find myself unable to qualify my words as they are so inadequate. Humbleness, for sure; indebtedness to their sacrifice. Valor, the giving of their lives so that others may live. Perhaps the words of General MacArthur rumble deep in my soul: Duty–Honor–Country.
The thoughts are there, not just in the mind, but down in the soul. Most cannot comprehend unless they have worn the uniform, put their boots to a spit-shine, and folded the flag after it had been draped over a casket. Some shake and tremble, some cry as the shots ring out and “Taps” are played for the last time. Most cannot comprehend unless they have had the knock on the door, visited by a chaplain and a letter from the Department from which the person served.
“Alone and far removed from earthly care
The noble ruins of men lie buried here.
You were strong men, good men
Endowed with youth and much the will to live.
I hear no protest from the mute lips of the dead.
They rest: there is no more to give.
So long my comrades,
Sleep ye where you fell upon the field.
But tread softly please
March O’er my heart with ease.
March on and on,
But to God alone we kneel.”
–Audie Murphy
When I stand at the Tomb of the Unknown, or gaze at the crosses or bronze markers of any military cemetery the feeling of pride also begins to move within my being. I am grateful that I wore the uniform of an airman of our country. I count it a privilege to stand among men and women, so dedicated that they would give their last ounce of devotion. It is an honor to stand among the brave and the fallen.
I get the same feeling in the stillness of a morning sometimes, especially around Easter when I think of the Savior who suffered and died for me. There is that rumbling deep in my soul when I think of His duty and how He performed it and faced the enemy of my soul, storming the gates of hell, to redeem me with His precious blood.
Memorial Day — let it be a time of celebration with family, but also, stop, look down at the fallen who have died to give you the freedom to celebrate. Then look up to the heavens, seek the One who died to give you the chance at eternal life and eternal celebration with Him.
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”
–John 15:13 (NASB)