Honoring Those Who Serve
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13
July 4th is a fun day to spend with friends and family, grilling outside, playing games, having picnics, and watching fireworks. Yet, I believe we have more to celebrate.
Memorial Day is always an emotional time for me. On Memorial Day, we fly our American flag, and I watch programs honoring all the different branches of the military whose men and women serve to protect our country. My grandfather fought in World War I, my father in World War II, a second cousin served in Korea, and several friends served in Vietnam. I knew someone who served in Afghanistan, and I prayed scriptures such as these for them: "Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory" (Deuteronomy 31:6, NKJV).
Psalm 91:4 states: "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." And 2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV) says, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's."
This year's parade celebrating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army Guard in Washington DC was another spectacular event. It marked the traditional date of the founding of the U.S. Army on June 14, 1775. As the oldest of the six branches of the Armed Forces, the parade featured 6,600 soldiers along with 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, warplanes, horses, mules, parachutists, celebrities, seven bands, and a dog named Doc Holliday, culminating in fireworks. Witnessing this yet again brought tears to my eyes, as I wished my dad were alive to see it.
The millions of men and women who served and continue to serve did so to protect America and, at times, help those less fortunate in other countries. Unfortunately, soldiers returning from Vietnam and Afghanistan were often treated poorly instead of being appreciated and honored. Just as we submit our will to God's authority and leadership, every soldier must obey their leaders, whether they agree or not. "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (Romans 13:1, ESV).
It is mind-boggling to me that these people were taught from a young age not to hurt others, yet they are sent to war to kill to protect us—many return traumatized by the experience. I recall asking my father about serving in World War II. He refused to discuss the fighting itself but did tell me about times when funny things happened. I knew the harsh memories disturbed him.
We are not only celebrating July 4th as the birthday of our nation, but we should also celebrate the freedom we enjoy thanks to the sacrifices of those who served before us. I am truly grateful for those who served in the past and for those who are serving now. It is because of them that my family can thrive in America. The song "America the Beautiful" contains this stanza: "O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife / Who more than self their country loved / And mercy more than life." How true this is for those who serve.
The sacrifice of leaving family and friends to serve our country is great. It is also a sacrifice for the families they leave behind. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13, NIV)—or for those they may not even know.
Usually, when I see a man or woman in a service uniform, I try to thank them for their service. It is wonderful to witness airlines giving preference to these people. A church we once attended had volunteers go to the airport and welcome the service men and women by clapping and waving flags as they returned from battle. The cheering lit up their faces, and some even teared up. There are times I have bought lunch for a serviceman in the same restaurant where I am eating. I tell the server to say it is anonymous, from someone who appreciates them serving our country. Honoring those in uniform is a blessing. If you see a man or woman in uniform, let me encourage you to say how grateful you are to them for serving and protecting our borders and our land.
Let's pray:
Lord, I am very blessed to live in America, the land of the free. I enjoy this because of the men and women who have served and continue to serve to protect this great country. I am so grateful to them. May I always remember to show appreciation for their service and the sacrifices they have made, allowing my family and me to live here. Be with our armed forces by watching over them and protecting them. In Jesus' name, Amen.
