Honoring Those In Military
Memorial Day, observed in the United States the last Monday in May each year, helps Americans remember those in the armed forces who died defending our freedom. I have a great respect for those who serve in our military. My husband did his four years of duty while we dated.
Perhaps my respect dates back to my high school days during the Korean War. Some boys in our class who turned 18 joined the military branch of their choice rather than waiting to be drafted. Some left before they graduated. Many of us went to the train station to wave them off as they headed for basic training.
Because of my name, the government thought I was a male and sent me not just one but two draft notices when I graduated. Of course, we straightened that out soon. I got some college behind me before a few of my gal friends and I, who had secretarial skills, signed up to go work in Washington, D.C. for the military. We passed the required tests, rode the packed train there and stayed until the fighting ended. And then came home to finish college. I got a closer perspective on the horrors of war, but a greater appreciation for those who help us keep our freedom.
Over the years I have listened to uncles, cousins and even my brother relate personal war experiences. During World War II, one of my mother’s cousins barely survived the more than 60-mile Bataan Death March in the Philippines during the spring of 1945. Over 70,000 prisoners of war were forced by the Japanese to walk to their eventual prison camp. Thousands died during the march and imprisonment. 1
Cousin Huey later told me he lived because when he was an Alabama farm boy he had learned how to chew sugar cane. So, as a POW he searched at night until he found cane along the death march. But he stressed that he had a strong will to live, while asking God for strength to survive. Personal accounts like these have touched my heart with gratitude for those who serve our country. Over the years as I’ve spoken on United States military bases both in this country and overseas and I have been able to thank a few of the soldiers.
Some years ago while sitting next to a serviceman on a plane, I thanked him for his service to our country, and told him I pray for the military. “No one has ever told me that they pray for us. Please keep it up,” he answered.
A friend told me of her visit to the General George S. Patton Museum on the grounds of Ft. Knox Army base in Kentucky. She was so impressed with a quote of General Patton on the wall:“I fight where I am sent and I win where I fight!”
Let’s not forget those who fought and died. Let’s pray for and thank those we know who still wear the uniform. And also those who have retired after their faithful years of duty. On patriotic national holidays when I visit my husband’s gravesite, I am grateful for the volunteers who have placed an American flag on the graves of all the veterans buried in that cemetery. My husband’s included. Maybe just a small way to remember them, but oh, so honoring.
Prayer: Lord, grant Your protection and blessing over all who wear the uniform to protect our nation or aid those in crisis: members of all branches of our military at home and abroad, and all who put themselves in harm’s way for our safety. Lord give them courage and wise judgement. May their families know your peace, strength and comfort while their loved ones are on the job. For those who have experienced traumatic injuries that are still troubling them, please heal their bodies, minds and emotions. Lord, send messengers to share the truth of Your love and grace with those who don’t know You. Thank You for all the brave ones who work so hard to keep us safe. 2 Now we remember with gratefulness those who gave their lives for our freedom. Amen.
Scriptures: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10 NIV)
Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate. (Amos 5:15a NASB)
1.https://www.britannica.com/event/Bataan-Death-March
2. Quin Sherrer and Ruthanne Garlock, Warfare Prayers For Women, (Minneapolis, Minn., Chosen Books), 226.
Comments (0)