Today is a day to remember and pay tribute to men and women who have given their lives for our own. As much as I try to understand, I cannot put myself in the shoes of the soldiers at Gettysburg, Normandy, or Fallujah, who willingly go headfirst into danger fighting for freedom. There is something beyond bravery that musters them to their call.
"War of the Unknown Warriors" This is no war of chieftains or of princes, of dynasties or national ambition; it is a war of peoples and of causes. There are vast numbers, not only in this island but in every land, who will render faithful service in this war but whose names will never be known, whose deeds will never be recorded. This is a war of the Unknown Warriors; but let all strive without failing in faith or in duty, and the dark curse of Hitler will be lifted from our age. Winston Churchill -BBC Broadcast, London, 14 July 1940Valor, duty, even destiny have drawn countless people to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of their country. But the soldier has lost some of his esteem over the past thirty years. Nasty tactics and disdainful atrocities have tarnished the fine reputation soldiers have worked to achieve. Many citizens react to these cases, decrying the very people who have given their lives for our security.
In Flanders Fields By John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly. Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.Memorial Day was begun as "Decoration Day," a day to dress the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. The end of May was chosen because flowers are in bloom virtually everywhere. Today, we should all take time to honor the American soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice: taking a bullet, going down in an airplane, suffering in a prisoner camp, or patrolling into an IED. As we watch a parade, grill our burgers, or simply watch flowers wave in a field, remember those brave men and women who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom we enjoy.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Jesus of Nazareth, John 15.13Read more at: http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp#hist
1 comment:
hey mike-wanted to ask you to pray for our family. my cousin was shot in the neck last fall by a sniper in iraq. he is a quad now, little more movement at the trunk , but seems to have same function of arms, etc. as you. it is really hard on his parents and him. he is in his 3rd rehab hospital now in St. Louis. He is not a Christian which makes is harder. I wish he could meet you and be encouraged...just wanted to share with you. hope your summer is going well. u coming to my wedding b/c i would love it if you could!
Post a Comment