I could not tell you when the focus of Memorial Day shifted
from remembering our fallen heroes and those who survived and supported them in
some military capacity to just a three day weekend full of hedonism for some, family
time for many and R & R for others. But it has. Statistics tell us that only
7%1 of Americans will actually celebrate it for its true purpose,
remembering our veterans, and up to 80%2 are not familiar with its
true meaning. Do I have a dog in the fight? Yes. I come from a long line of
Military Veterans that have fought in every major war since before America’s
history. Does that mean I am surprised or even angered because of the
statistics? No to both questions; here is why. First of all those who do
celebrate it have good reason to do so. They may have lost a veteran, know
someone who has or just have a deep patriotism for America. Others just see it
as another holiday and there is no real driving push to see it as any other
way. Morality and Ethic are the two driving factors behind all good purpose and
reason. Our culture has shifted so far to the left that today’s morality no
longer reflects good reasoning and purpose. When I was growing up you
celebrated Memorial Day because there was a hallowedness that made it a special
day. Today, for the majority, there is no hallowedness. So, although it is very
sad, it does not surprise me that it has become for most just a three day weekend
to start summer festivities.
Today I want to remember all the troops from time immemorial
that have fought and supported the life that we have been so graciously given
in the USA. War is usually the result of some narcissistic behavior of a power
warlord whose desire is to oppress and suppress the masses into his control,
whether on their own soil or the sovereign soil of another country. This
oppressive behavior sometimes becomes so large scale (WWI—WWII) that countries
that care for the plight of all humanity and the inalienable right to life and
liberty will come to the rescue. That has been the role of America in every war
she has fought. Some may believe we just need to live and let live—to stay out
of the business of others, but scripturally speaking we are called to bear the
burdens of one another. It is precisely there where morality and ethic become
important. America has been blessed to be able to do just that. For that I am
so thankful.
1 62nd ADA Vulcan Cannon SP 1985 Orient Shield Japan |
I especially want to remember the troops of the A & B Batteries 1/62nd
Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Schofield Barracks HI., 1985, Cpt. Ralph Chester CO. It was our 25th
Infantry Division and especially our Battery that holds a distinction of being
the first American soldiers to fire live artillery on Japanese soil since 1945. Although for PR the PS & S did not point that out we knew it the truth.3
The exercise, "Orient Shield, 1985". The Gun, a Vulcan Cannon. The one who pulled the trigger, Sgt. Krass. Why were we there? To support the Japanese Ground
Self-Defense forces in training against an enemy invasion. The first time
Americans arrived it was for War—many were killed. The second time it was for
peace. What a difference 40 years can make. I salute all of my fellow soldiers
that participated in that historic event.
This Memorial Day why not take a moment to remember why you
can get that grill out or why you can have that family reunion. Simply put, it’s
because of a strong Faith in God and a resolve to lift up the standards borne
out in Scripture—Principles of Scripture that our forefathers spilled their
blood to uphold. Love for our fellow man—Love for our country—Love for our God—Love
for a good way of life.
May God bless you this week end.
1. http://www.gallup.com/poll/22957/Memorial-Day-Allows-Time-Relaxation-Family.aspx
3. The Pacific Stars and Stripes Carried the story on pp 13-15 Nov 20, 1985.
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