It sure seemed bad to die in a place that ain’t got no name. But some boys did.”
–John McKinney (Phantom Warrior–biography)
“For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers of our affliction that took place in the province of Asia: we were completely overwhelmed–beyond our strength–so that we even despaired of life.”
–2 Corinthians 1:8 (HCSB)
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MEMORIAL DAY! Several thoughts flood my mind upon remembrance of this day. No, I’m not speaking of hamburgers and hotdogs, but of blood–meaning sacrifice, the ultimate one. The poem of J. Maxwell Edmonds came to my mind:
“When you go home,
Tell them of us, and say–
For your tomorrows,
We gave our today.”
My family has been fortunate with all the individuals serving that only two have died in conflict. There was a distant cousin of mine who was killed on that horrendous day we call D-Day. The beaches of Normandy claimed his blood. My uncle, James, died in Vietnam in 1966. But so many others died, dreams never fulfilled. Some left families behind, others only thought that one day they may have a family never to see its fruition.
Approximately 1.3 million Americans have died in the wars to protect our freedom. That does not include other casualties, only those who died. Think of those who died facing an enemy and being struck down, so many in their youth. Larkin Spivey reminds us that, “It never hurts to stop and think about who we are and what we have become. It is easy to drift spiritually, and without realizing it, come to a place far removed from God.” We have been so fortunate, so blessed in this country, but even with the sacrifice of so many allowing us this wonderful privilege to serve God openly, think of how far we have drifted.
Think of the oath of the soldier, and then look around you at the state of this country. I recall the words of one sergeant, “I have sworn to protect…even to the death, the sorriest there is.” True, and they do it to fulfill that vow of honor. Paul wrote, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, HCSB) Some cannot serve, some will not serve, but know this, there are those who pick up the burden and carry it. Some of those drop it, not because of weariness but because their blood has emptied, their breath is now gone, and only the mystery of death is their lot.
I know you are anxious to get the grill started, and the watermelon cut, and that is fine; it is alright for that’s why we have this day. Part of the Memorial Day celebration is to enjoy those special times for there were many who gave their lives for you to do so. But…some time during the day, take some time to reflect–to remember–to be thankful. Also I would remind you also of the great martyrs of the church. My, my, my…..such dedication! I came across the following from the Union soldier’s prayer book issued in 1861.
“Servant of God, well done!
God forth from earth’s employ.
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master’s joy.
At midnight came the cry,
‘To meet thy God prepare!’
He woke–and caught his captain’s eye,
Still strong in faith and prayer.
Soldier of Christ, well done,
Praise be thy new employ;
And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Savior’s joy.”
“For we don’t want you to be unaware, brothers of our affliction that took place in the province of Asia: we were completely overwhelmed–beyond our strength–so that we even despaired of life.”
–2 Corinthians 1:8 (HCSB)
—————————-
MEMORIAL DAY! Several thoughts flood my mind upon remembrance of this day. No, I’m not speaking of hamburgers and hotdogs, but of blood–meaning sacrifice, the ultimate one. The poem of J. Maxwell Edmonds came to my mind:
“When you go home,
Tell them of us, and say–
For your tomorrows,
We gave our today.”
My family has been fortunate with all the individuals serving that only two have died in conflict. There was a distant cousin of mine who was killed on that horrendous day we call D-Day. The beaches of Normandy claimed his blood. My uncle, James, died in Vietnam in 1966. But so many others died, dreams never fulfilled. Some left families behind, others only thought that one day they may have a family never to see its fruition.
Approximately 1.3 million Americans have died in the wars to protect our freedom. That does not include other casualties, only those who died. Think of those who died facing an enemy and being struck down, so many in their youth. Larkin Spivey reminds us that, “It never hurts to stop and think about who we are and what we have become. It is easy to drift spiritually, and without realizing it, come to a place far removed from God.” We have been so fortunate, so blessed in this country, but even with the sacrifice of so many allowing us this wonderful privilege to serve God openly, think of how far we have drifted.
Think of the oath of the soldier, and then look around you at the state of this country. I recall the words of one sergeant, “I have sworn to protect…even to the death, the sorriest there is.” True, and they do it to fulfill that vow of honor. Paul wrote, “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2, HCSB) Some cannot serve, some will not serve, but know this, there are those who pick up the burden and carry it. Some of those drop it, not because of weariness but because their blood has emptied, their breath is now gone, and only the mystery of death is their lot.
I know you are anxious to get the grill started, and the watermelon cut, and that is fine; it is alright for that’s why we have this day. Part of the Memorial Day celebration is to enjoy those special times for there were many who gave their lives for you to do so. But…some time during the day, take some time to reflect–to remember–to be thankful. Also I would remind you also of the great martyrs of the church. My, my, my…..such dedication! I came across the following from the Union soldier’s prayer book issued in 1861.
“Servant of God, well done!
God forth from earth’s employ.
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master’s joy.
At midnight came the cry,
‘To meet thy God prepare!’
He woke–and caught his captain’s eye,
Still strong in faith and prayer.
Soldier of Christ, well done,
Praise be thy new employ;
And while eternal ages run,
Rest in thy Savior’s joy.”