Remembering those Who Gave All
It is my usual practice to remember Memorial Day by watching the movie ‘Saving Private Ryan’ as a personal reminder of the sacrifice that many have made so that we can live free.
I know many of you reading this have also seen that remarkable movie. Do you remember how an entire team of Army Rangers gave their lives to save just one: Private Ryan? Do you remember the chilling last words of the captain of that Ranger team?
“Earn this!”
Those were his dying words to Private Ryan but he wasn’t just speaking to him. Private Ryan represents every one of us. We are the recipients of the greatest gift that anyone could give to us.
On this Memorial Day I meditate on the Word of God and how well it aligns with our American values. Jesus himself tells us in John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
Let us solemnly remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.
In my own family we have been greatly blessed with several courageous relatives who have served. Only one that I am aware of in my family tree gave the ultimate sacrifice:
Private Robert Briggs cast aside his own well being and volunteered to serve with the 37th Regiment of the Wisconsin Infantry to free the slaves during our Civil War. Briggs was wounded in the Battle of Petersburg and taken prisoner. He later died of disease as a POW in Danville, Va.
In honor of my dad’s service during the Vietnam War I also think about the men he served with who gave the ultimate sacrifice: Ed Zager, Thomas Dazey, and Dennis Reed are the three we paid our respects to while visiting the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C.
May our Heavenly Father bless all the relatives of those who so courageously sacrificed everything for us. May He give us the courage to earn it and honor their memories by taking the time to study and understand the United States Constitution and work to defend and uphold it. Amen.
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So many don't get Memorial Day in full.
I grew up in the country, but even though I only had a few neighbors, one of the closest was Robert D. Arnold. He was a country boy from a small farm between Galesville and Trempealeau WI. He stepped up to help the cause, and died a hero in Vietnam. I mention his name because I would like people to talk about it, and then realize so many did the same, but many did come home alive, and many did not. I have many friends who did come back, and only a few non veterans will ever know the price they paid, and what they experienced.
My dad is sitting at home tonight, almost 95 lied about his age to get into the Navy to go help his two brothers in WW II, one in the Air Force, and the other in the Army, both hero's and both wounded, but finished to end of the war and came home.
WE WILL NEVER KNOW EXTENT OF HOW MUCH THOSE VERTERANS SAVED HUMANITY!
Some further thought.
Memorial Day needs to be given far more recognition than it has received in the past. It is my assessment that without the heroes and heroines, of America's Wars, the entire world would be far different, and not in a good way. The people who stood up to save the world are responsible for the stability of all of humanity. Giving up your life for humanity needs far more appreciation than a day off of work!
It's sad when you consider
It's sad when you consider that people who take and take and take from our society get to celebrate their pride for a full month but those who give their lives for the benefit of all only get one day.
Makes you think...and appreciate
Things happen in three: I watched the end of the movie Hacksaw Ridge, the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS, and read "Remembering Those Who Gave All" (above).
It makes you think.
Some years ago my wife & I visited the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. After being on the site a very few minutes, I stopped and with a lump in my throat shared with her that the Memorial was to her Dad and mine. Her Dad was in North Africa and my Dad was in Tokyo Bay for the surrender of Japan. Both survived their military service, returned home, raised a family, and passed of old age some years ago.
While Memorial Day recognizes "those that gave all" many cemeteries recognize all Veterans that are buried there. Veterans' Day on November 11th recognizes all who served in our military.
We need to express our heartfelt appreciation to those that serve or have served in the military, especially in harms way, and to the families of "those that gave all". A word of appreciation to the family members of those that serve (or served) is also appropriate.
Thank a Military serviceman today -- express appreciation for your freedom!
J. Ham
Interesting comments. So Now I think, in addition to attending a Memorial Day event, go see a Veteran, that will be a very positive thing!
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