This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. ~ 1 John 3:16
Memorial Day is set aside to honor military men and women who have sacrificed of themselves to honor their country and what it stands for — to serve others and protect our freedoms and way of life. Many of these patriots have died defending ideals that they thought were important enough to die for. In our lives of endless conveniences with only 1% of our population serving in the military*, do we stop and reflect often enough? Who were these patriots and WHAT did they die for — live for? It seems a day out of our year is such a small tribute; unworthy… like a fading flower on a grave.
I’ll admit that I’ve enjoyed my ‘memorial’ day off with only a thought about barbeque and family gatherings plenty of times in my life. As I have grown older, I think about purpose a lot more. I think back on the men of my grandparent’s era — even the men of my parent’s era — that have served. I look at the faces of loved ones in uniforms pressed and tidy – their faces commanding and steadfast; their example unwavering. I think about their lives and who they are — what set them apart. They were servant leaders, willing to give up the carefree life of a civilian for the sake of their country – putting their family out – and their very lives if called upon.
I have been reading a book entitled “The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States” by Benjamin F. Morris in my spare time. Over 1,000 pages that testify to our heritage as a Christian nation are hard to argue with… including original sources and documents from the times of the beginning of our nation throughout the presidency of Lincoln. Looking back, it is so sad to see the unraveling of our country’s morals and the disconnect that a majority of modern Americans have with their history. I believe our history is worth studying, and feel that you can’t possibly know who you are (as an American, a Christian, or even a PERSON) if you don’t understand where you have come from.
The most noble desire of a god-fearing man’s heart is to try and honor his God, his family, and his country. America shines as set apart seeing that to see so many men and women have done this even when most of the time it was not ‘required’ of them.
‘Death will invade us by the means appointed,
And we must all bow to the king of terrors;
Nor am I anxious, if I am prepared,
What shape it comes in…Then to the wisdom of my Lord and Master
I will commit all that I have or wish for;
Sweetly as babes sleep will I give my life up
When call’d to yield it…Life for my country and the cause of freedom
Is but a trifle for a worm to part with;
And, if preserved in so great a contest,
Life is redoubled.”…from ‘The American Hero’ – an ode sung in New England churches, written by Nathaniel Niles of Norwich Connecticut , on hearing the Battle of Bunker Hill. It was the war-song of New England.
War is ugly. It’s images horrify us. Yet I believe that with the depravity of mankind’s sinful state as a whole, there is no way to ensure freedom without standing against those that would harm us out of greed, ignorance, or animosity. True freedom does not exist outside of a Christian mindset — and then, any freedom we have today is a mere foreshadowing of the freedom we have in Christ (which transcends our station in life — whether rich or poor, in sickness or health, in bondage or as free men).
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time, with the blood of patriots and tyrants. ~ Thomas Jefferson on democracy, 1787
It would do us all well to remember not only those who have fallen and served, but the reasons they did it… the history and the virtues and ultimate purposes behind the struggles they suffered. Reading back through the original writings of our nation’s great minds is not only enlightening, but I believe it is necessary to prevent us from apathy and purposelessness that awaits if we become ignorant and apathetic – doomed to repeat history and be oppressed instead of free.
We as a people owe to these men a greater form of thank you than a weekend barbeque and a fading flower of tribute on their grave; something greater than a mention in history class and a pop quiz. We owe to them a worthiness of character that will preserve our nation that they gave all for. Only this will honor the fallen. Only this will send the children of America in to the future with hearts strong and heads full of the truth and goodness that would enable them to stand up to tyranny and oppression in their own lives.
As George Washington said in his address to the Governors of several states, in 1783 after the Revolution army had won our independence:
I now make it my earnest prayer that God would have you, and the State over which you preside, in His holy protection; that he would incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; to entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another, for their fellow-citizens of the United States at large, and particularly for their brethren who served in the field; and, finally, that he would most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that humility and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation.”
It is my hope that I will raise up children who know their past – the great men on whose shoulders we still stand firm today – and the God who led them all to victory. May we honor them, and Him with our lives as a token of our love and gratitude for the freedoms we possess today.
Photo above: My grandfather — in the Royal British Canadian Air Force, who was decorated in service to his country in World War II… and a great Christian man whom I love and admire.
* source: “1% of Americans may be fighting our wars, but we need 100% of Americans to be supporting our troops and their families.” – whitehouse.gov
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
This is beautiful! And filled with such important principles that must be intentionally taught to our children. I am forever quoting Psalm 78 where we are told to tell the future generations about the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord so that we don’t forget. It’s the same thing with our godly heritage. We will forget if we don’t study and remember the deeds of those who have gone before us. Thank you for this reminder. And for the book recommendation–that sounds like one that needs to be in every home.