Today we celebrate those in our church who have served our beloved country in one of the branches of the military:
The United States Army,
The United States Navy,
The United States Air Force,
The Marine Corp of the United States,
and
The Coast Guard of the United States.
We are privileged to have veterans within our church family who served in
the Korean War,
the Vietnam War,
and
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
We have at least one Grace Church son who is currently serving within the United States Navy—Cha Buffington. There will be a special card in our service this morning that you may sign and send your greetings of appreciation to him for the service he is performing for all of us.
Today is a day of remembrance. We set this day aside to honor the service of men and women who have given of themselves, some giving the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Today is a day of Thanksgiving in that we enjoy the benefits of democracy and freedom because millions have fought and shed their blood to preserve it.
Gilbert Chesterton wrote, “A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Soldiers fight for their fellow soldiers.
Soldiers fight for their families and loved ones.
Soldiers fight for their principles and values.
Soldiers fight for the patriots who have fought before them.
Soldiers fight for the children that will come after them.
Soldiers fight for others whether they deserve it or not.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Last Sunday one of our Deacons, Phil Callahan gave a brief description of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D. C. It is a very respectful and dignified event done regularly in front of the tomb on which is inscribed,
Today is a day of remembrance. We set this day aside to honor the service of men and women who have given of themselves, some giving the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Today is a day of Thanksgiving in that we enjoy the benefits of democracy and freedom because millions have fought and shed their blood to preserve it.
Gilbert Chesterton wrote, “A true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.”
Soldiers fight for their fellow soldiers.
Soldiers fight for their families and loved ones.
Soldiers fight for their principles and values.
Soldiers fight for the patriots who have fought before them.
Soldiers fight for the children that will come after them.
Soldiers fight for others whether they deserve it or not.
Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
Last Sunday one of our Deacons, Phil Callahan gave a brief description of the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery in Washington D. C. It is a very respectful and dignified event done regularly in front of the tomb on which is inscribed,
“Tomb of the Unknowns symbolizes those of America who gave their lives in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War in defense of the Nation’s integrity, honor, and tranquility.”
While Phil was describing the 21 paces the guards take during the ceremony representing the 21-gun salute given for fallen service men. Phil’s portrayal of the numerous salutes, weapons and uniform inspections, the commands of the officer in charge, reminded me of the other similar ceremonies I have witnessed in Moscow, Russia; Pyongyang, North Korea; and Beijing, China. All are done with similar reverence and respect, but there is a stark difference between what I’ve seen in those places and what happens in our country. None of those soldiers there perished for the cause of FREEDOM. They died for their country. They died for country are FREE to die for something worth dying for.
As we worship today, remember your
FREEDOM IS WORTH DYING FOR.
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