THANKFUL

Memorial Day 2019

Monday, May 27, 2019

Good morning, Jesus.

“. . . that from these honored dead we take the increased devotion to the cause for which they gave the full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—that the government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth”—Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address

This day we pause from our busy schedules, activities, duties and pleasures to commemorate those men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. These soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines were not old by most standards. From Lexington’s Bunker Hill to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, from Havana, Cuba, they gave their all. From the horrors of the trenches in France, to the invasion at Normandy, to Korea to the rice patties in Viet Nam, now the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan, those heroes who gave their all were mostly in their late teens and twenties. In President Reagan’s eulogy of these American heroes, he spoke how these fallen warriors gave up two lives—the one they were living, and the life they would have lived. Many would never have children nor grandchildren, their lineage abruptly ended. Many would never build a home or run a business. Their sacrifice ended the difference in society they would have made for future generations. They would never stand on the slopping hills of Arlington National Cemetery to remember their brothers in arms. Instead, they now eternally rest among the more than two-hundred on these sacred grounds. Freedom is not free. It comes with a high price.

The 58,000 plus names engraved in the granite wall of the Viet Nam Memorial is the sobering realization that many of my generation paid the ultimate sacrifice. Now, as an old man (72), I walked beside the wall, reverently touching the names of those who lost both lives. I’ve had a great life, wonderful family and children, lifelong friends, blessed with health and wellbeing. I also get to write stories about Jesus. But my name could have been etched alongside the others. I’m reminded again, freedom comes with a price. Freedom is not free.

Humble our hearts, Lord, to always remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. May we never forget them.

When you meet a veteran, look them in the eye and thank him or her for their service. If you meet a Gold Star family, embrace them. They made a great sacrifice as well.

Lord Jesus, You made the ultimate sacrifice for our spiritual freedom on the cross. May we never forget what You did.

Forgive our sins. Heal our nation.