This column is the text of a Memorial Day address I was asked to give at the Field of Valor in Moorpark, California. May it again inspire us all to never forget.
War is hell. War at times is necessary. Men and women die is those wars, and on days like today, we remember those who gave up all their tomorrows to keep us free to have so many more.
What must one say in a Memorial Day speech or any speech to honor the fallen? President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address was only 272 words long, and yet it has been treasured for over a century as one of the best speeches ever given.
Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women who died in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our enduring gratitude. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom and those who bore that cost.
I never served in the military. I was born at the end of World War II when my father was quartermaster of Tyndall field in Panama City, Florida. He was a captain in the army air corp. My son and one of my grandsons have both served in the US Army. Thankfully, none of them gave up their lives in service to our land, but that may not be the case for some of you here today. it’s been said that as citizens of this great country, we need to regard all of our soldiers as our children, so that as our own beloved sons and daughters, we feel deeply the loss of every last one of those who have died in service to our nation.
We not only remember; we honor them for their valor. In the words of General George S. Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.” I think we must do both.
So many mothers and wives, husbands and fathers, extended family and friends go about life every day remembering loved one no longer with us. They are reminded by pictures on mantels and mementos of a life not fully lived. At some level they understand that their Soldier chose a life of service and understood the potential of their own death. So today, we also honor you, the families of those who lost loved ones, for you bear a burden that only you can comprehend. We are grateful for the love and support you gave your Soldier.
General Norman Schwarzkopf once observed: "It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle." With that in mind, may we not only remember those we honor today at this ceremony, but may we keep our soldiers who are deployed defending our freedom, and their families, in our thoughts and prayers.
There is no more fitting way to end this than with the treasured final words of Lincoln on the fields of Gettysburg in November of 1863. “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us-that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.”
Let us echo the line from Lee Greenwood’s patriotic tribute: “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.” It’s been said that our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.
God bless our great nation. God bless and embrace those who gave their all and the families who pay the continuing cost for that sacrifice. Finally, God bless each of you for taking the time to remember.
To add joy to your daily devotions, consider purchasing Dr. Paulson’s newly released ”Joy Comes with the Morning” course today! Get ready to enjoy the 31 short, recorded messages on your computer or smart phone. Each message is designed to expand and enhance your joy-filled faith experience whenever you need or want it. Visit tomeapp.com/joy to start bringing more Christian joy to your morning today. Contact him at terry@terrypaulson.com.