Remember and honor
Many years ago, my father did something that really embarrassed me at the time. It shouldn’t have upset me–I was old enough to know better.
But I was immature and selfish.
What did my father do?
At the end of a Sunday morning church service, what are most people anxious to do? It would be nice if we could say, “After such an inspiring message, we want to go out and witness for Jesus!”
But in truth, most of us want to go somewhere (to a restaurant) and have lunch. The numbers of people flooding eating establishments for Sunday lunch testify to my claim. No cooking or washing dishes–we want lunch out with our families.
On this particular Sunday morning, at the end of service, my father stood up and delivered a speech on honoring those who died in war. My dad was a World War II veteran, landed on Omaha Beach following D-Day and served throughout the entire European Campaign until the German surrender. Many of his comrades were killed and he told us about one particular friend who died. He said to the congregation, “Why was I spared and he was killed?”
My father went on and on. Sitting in the choir, I hung my head, thinking, These people don’t want to hear this. Why is he taking so much time when everyone just wants to leave?”
Of course, this is not a pleasant memory for me.
I am ashamed.
Not only was I not honoring my father, I belittled the sacrifices made by so many. I cared more about what others might be thinking of his impromptu speech than his service to our country. My rumbling stomach took priority over remembering those who died.
Thankfully, I did not continue with that attitude. I recognized my father’s service and honored his sacrifice. I drove my parents to many reunions of his World War II infantry company (part of the 30th division), recorded and wrote about his memories, and attended twice yearly services in our county which honored and remembered our veterans.
We honor the sacrifices of our men and women in the military by remembering.
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one that this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:12-13
Jesus loved us so much that he laid down His life for us. Those who join the military always know that death may be the sacrifice they make for serving. They choose this possibility willingly. They love their families, their neighbors, their country. But they also love strangers–those whom they’ve never met as they take the vow of service and accept the commitment to face danger in order to protect others.
I pray you will join me this Memorial Day in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice. But let’s not stop there. I hope we can also honor and thank our veterans and those brave men and women who currently serve.
I’m surprised when people say “Happy Memorial Day” as if it’s holiday like Valentine’s Day. Thank you for reminding us it’s a day of remembrance, gratitude, and honor and a family has one seat at a dinner table not occupied.
We do that, don’t we? I had not considered the contradiction of wishing someone “happiness” on such a solemn occasion. Perhaps if we think about the sacrifice our brave young men and women made to protect us and our freedom we might also find some comfort in knowing they would be happy that we are still being granted the opportunity to experience “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Those of us who have been granted that gift are truly blessed by the sacrifice of all those brave soldiers.
What a rich heritage to have a father who fought valiantly in WW II and who humbly remembered those whose lives were not spared. Imagine if he stood and rattled off his own meritorious achievements and drew attention to himself 🤦🏼♀️ I can certainly relate to being embarrassed by things that either of my parents did or said when I was younger! Glad I see their true intentions through an adult perspective.
Oh, my dear friend, you help me find some peace. Thank you! Some of my fondest memories of my dad were as he got older and I took him to reunions where he was able to join again with his fellow soldiers. They had a lasting bond. Like you, I am grateful for those times when we were able to see our parents’ love and care and find forgiveness for past conflicts.
Thank you for sharing such a personal message Ms. Katherine. I am reminded of how God’s instructions in Deuteronomy to “teach the to your children.” It’s when we forget these stories of sacrifice and honor that we fail to appreciate the price paid for our freedom. Things that cost nothing have little value to us. Thank you for remembering my friend. I think this is the saddest day of the year for me.
I agree, J.D., when we recall what we are remembering on Memorial Day, I feel so much sadness and regret. When we review the casualties of war, the loss of life is overwhelming. So much prayer needed–it’s clear that we humans cannot live in peace without divine intervention.
Thank you for this. My grandmother lost three sons during WWII. Memorial Day isn’t “happy” or a “celebration.” It’s the only day set aside by our nation to commemorate and remember our war casualties.
I just learned that the British have a War Graves Week. Maybe we should add that before our three-day weekend, and make a better effort to locate those fallen in war in our own communities and learn some history about what it cost to have that three-day weekend.
Joy, I think your suggestion is excellent. As we know, so many in our society do not know the true meaning of Memorial Day. War Graves Week certainly paints a clearer picture. What a tragedy the loss of three sons must have been for your grandmother. I can only imagine her grief and pain. So many brave young men and women never came home. Thank you for taking time to visit my blog. Wishing you a blessed week.
Thanks for your post, Katherine. We do need to honor those who died to preserve our freedom. And I know you are thankful for the service you dad gave to our country. May we always remember people like him.
I agree, Barbara. It is important that we never forget those WWII heroes as well as those before and since that have protected freedom and families. I pray we can continue to pass on the legacy of gratefulness to our children and grandchildren. Wishing you continued blessings in your home away from home.
What a wonderful post about your Dad and his service in WWII. I can understand your embarrassment though when he did that. I think we all had moments like that as kids, but we can rest assured our kids end up being embarrassed by us sometimes! It sounds like you were able later to share special memories with him at these reunions! My Dad served in the Pacific, and though I know a few of the big experiences, he didn’t talk much about it.
Thank you, Kathy. My dad didn’t talk much about his experiences either unless for a history project for my children or when he was around his war buddies. I’m sure they all saw some tragic occurrences in war and kept their feelings hidden for the most part. When they came home, they were supposed to resume their regular activities and forget the trauma–such an impossible expectation.
Thank you, Katherine, for sharing your dad’s story and this reminder to take time to honor those who deserve honor. Our perspectives change as we grow older and truly appreciate our national freedom and freedom in Christ. Like your dad, my WW II veteran dad instilled a sense of patriotism in our hearts.
So many brave young men and women served and sacrificed in WWII. Like me, I’m sure you honor your father’s service. We were such a grateful nation after that war. I wish we could help our children and grandchildren understand how important that era was (and still is) important to our country’s existence.