Honor the Fallen
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13
Today is Memorial Day, the annual day set aside in which we honor all those who have died fighting for freedom for our nation. How do we honor these brave men and women who were not timid about taking a stand for a nation which was founded upon freedom to live, worship, work, and think as each individual decides for himself or herself? These freedoms are that which separate the United States of America from the rest of the world.
The best way to honor the fallen is to fight to keep the freedoms for which they bled and died. Imagine if these courageous men and women could come back and see how Americans are quickly losing the ability to freely speak, worship, and live among each other with respect and cooperation that we once were privileged to possess. What would they think? Would they be shocked to find that for which they had given their lives has turned into hatred, division, lawlessness, the prohibition of free speech, the mockery of those who honor God as they try to live in truth and righteousness upholding the word of God as the standard by which all people should live, and the shredding of the constitution which was written by men who loved freedom?
My Dad was one of what we call the “Great Generation”, those who valued freedom and would do whatever was necessary to keep it. He was in the Army and fought at Guadalcanal during World War II. He did make it home but was left with a tremor in his hands for the remainder of his life. Many who fought the Japanese and the Germans and who were able to return home came home with all kinds of scars and hurtful memories but were required to move on with their lives, and they did, building up the greatest nation on earth. Those who returned home from Viet Nam were treated like the enemy. Many of them who are still living have painful flashbacks of their time in service. Many of those who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan are living with broken bodies and PTSD. A high rate of suicide has been reported among them. They don’t say that “war is hell” for nothing.
Thousands from WWI, WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, and Afghanistan did not make it home. We must also not forget those who died in the Revolutionary War fighting to break free from the dominance of England. There are many families living without their loved ones due to wars. These families are to be honored as well as those whom we have lost. Seems like there is always a war going on somewhere in the world. Jesus, in Matthew 24:6-8, said that we will hear of wars and rumors of wars and that nations will rise against other nations. He said that these were the beginnings of sorrows. At this time there is a war being fought in Ukraine. Many, including civilians, have been killed. Even if this war was ended tomorrow, another war would break out in some other location. Sin makes people hateful, envious, power hungry, and ruthless.
If you have not seen the movie, “To End All Wars”, it is worth your time to watch it. It does have a few four-letter words, but the story is about forgiveness and redemption. The movie is based on a true story about a Japanese prison camp and shows the horrors of what prisoners had to endure. It really gives one pause to reflect on just what pain, fear, and heartache that soldiers face in war. We must also remember those who are still missing in action. It is tough to lose a loved one in death, but to never know what happened to them, whether they are still alive or have passed away is a heartache that never goes away, and a mystery that is never solved.
While you are enjoying your hot dogs and hamburgers, if you can afford them this year, remember those who gave their lives so that you could have this opportunity to live in a country that, so far, is still free. Fly your flag and be thankful to be an American, and God bless those who still stand for righteousness, truth, and freedom.