On Memorial Day
May 29th, 2006 · Posted in Poetry, Reflections, What's Going On With Me · 2 CommentsA “pillar” of the Church I serve and the community in which I live died this morning.
In his 90′s, he served God — Church — family — community — and country faithfully his entrie life.
He was an Elder of the Church for years — made Elder Emeritus in recognition for his faithful service 2 years ago. He taught Sunday School for years — and sang in the choir. His leadership and devotion to the Church helped the Church through some very hard times.
He was devoted to his family. No one cared for or loved his family more than he did. His children, neices, grandchildren, and now great grandchildren knew that they were loved.
He was devoted to our country. He served in the Army in World War II, and earned a Purple Heart from wounds at the Battle of Normandy.
He was devoted to God. If anyone is ever “ready” to be joined with God, he was.
It is right — in a way — for him to die on Memorial Day. He was glad to have served God — his country — his family– his community — in the way that he did. What strikes me is that his generation — the World War II veterans — is dieing — and we all need to thank them for what they have done for us.
Take time today to thank God for those who have served God and country — many who paid the ultimate sacrafice in time of war — and thank a vet — for all they have done.
When I was in the 5th grade I memorized the poem “In Flanders Fields” . The poem — and the sentiment — has stayed with me.
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian ArmyIN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Read the story of the poem here.
May 29th, 2006 at 8:00 pm
I posted the same poem on my blog last Memorial Day. I remembered it from high school.
There are fewer and fewer WWII veterans at our small town memorial service each year. But today I noticed more Vietman Vets, those who had been noticably absent for years, along side the white-haired gentlemen. Was nice to see them there.
Yes, fitting your Veteran friend passed on Memorial Day. What a treasure for you, to have been lucky enough to know him.
May 29th, 2006 at 8:15 pm
Yes — a treasure indeed. For me and all who knew him.