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| Operation Iraqi Freedom 2005-06 |
The
sacrifices made by our military are worthy of our honor but honoring
veterans doesn’t always take extraordinary efforts. It can be as
simple as respect, remember and repay.
David's
mighty men honored their leader and future king with a daring raid
behind enemy lines to collect water from a well. David returned the
honor. “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it
not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” (2
Samuel 23:16-17)
David
poured out the waster as an offering to God. He respected the risk
taken by his mighty men. His act ensured that their valor would be
remembered and payed the sacrifice forward.
Respect
My
church gave me a small going-away party when I went to boot camp so
many years ago. It was a sign of respect for this important right of
passage. Today, when National Guard units deploy into war zones, they
are honored both upon their departure and their return. Words cannot
convey what I felt when, upon our re-entry to America, we were
greeted by a line of senior veterans. They shook our hands and
welcomed us home. Later, in the Atlanta airport, we were greeted by
applause. I will never forget these simple acts of respect.
Remember
My
church never forgot me while I was overseas. I received care packages
and letters. My family was cared for. On the other hand, one woman
told me that her church never once contacted her while she was
deployed. She never forgave them.
Notes,
care packages, church bulletins, and newsletters can be a comfort to
a lonely service member, desperate for a reminder of home. Remember,
also, the family left behind. A phone call to a lonely wife, an
invitation to a meal, or an offer to take the kids for a while will
mean a great deal. There is much that is missing from a family where
one of the parents have been called to active service.
Repay
The
cost of military service can be high. Some families have lost a
member. Some soldiers have been severely wounded. All soldiers have
had their lives disrupted. Education, careers and family are put on
hold when duty calls.
After
WWI discharged veterans got little more than a $60 allowance and a
train ticket home, later, embittered, they marched on Washington to
demand their due.
Following
WWII the GI Bill transformed America by multiplying the number of
educated Americans, populating our suburbs and creating new job
opportunities. The GI Bill was one of the most successful piece of
legislature in American history. Veteran’s benefits repay
sacrifices that cannot be measured.
Let
us respect, remember and repay our veterans and pray for the day when
there will be no more war.
He
will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong
nations far and wide.
They will beat their swords into plowshares and
their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation
will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war
anymore.
Micah
4:3
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