Honoring Those Who Served

The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional as to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their Nation.
— George Washington








Let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us re-consecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.
— Dwight D. Eisenhower





“We must not forget the past. We must not forget those who sacrificed, but we must also remember the reason for their sacrifice. They died so tyranny would die. They died to create a better world for those of us who followed them. Their sacrifice was not in vain.”
— Secretary of State Colin Powell as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, observing the 50th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1991.



"Throughout our history, America has been protected by patriots who cherished liberty and made great sacrifices to advance the cause of freedom. The brave members of the United States Armed Forces have answered the call to serve our Nation, ready to give all for their country. On Veterans Day, we honor these extraordinary Americans for their service and sacrifice, and we pay tribute to the legacy of freedom and peace that they have given our great Nation.

In times of war and of peace, our men and women in uniform stepped forward to defend their fellow citizens and the country they love. They shouldered great responsibility and lived up to the highest standards of duty and honor. Our veterans held fast against determined and ruthless enemies and helped save the world from tyranny and terror. They ensured that America remained what our founders meant her to be: a light to the nations, spreading the good news of human freedom to the darkest corners of the earth.

Like the heroes before them, today a new generation of men and women are fighting for freedom around the globe. Their determination, courage, and sacrifice are laying the foundation for a more secure and peaceful world.

Veterans Day is dedicated to the extraordinary Americans who protected our freedom in years past, and to those who protect it today. They represent the very best of our Nation. Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman has earned the lasting gratitude of the American people, and their service and sacrifice will be remembered forever."

- President George W. Bush

Thank you veterans for the sacrifices that you have made to allow us to live in so great a land. God bless you.

Heroes

A current, and rather popular evening television series bears the name "Heroes." I viewed the show once when it premiered last season, and never quite found me way back. To me, the folks portrayed on the screen seemed more to resemble cartoon characters than actual human heroes. While millions tune in to each episode, I will pause to reflect upon those remarkable people who I esteem as genuine, real-life heroes. Two names familiar to me come to mind:

John Gilmore Kirker, Corporal #641 Aero Squadron, US Army Air Corps, European Expeditionary Force, 1915-1918. A scant few years after Wilbur and Orville got us off the ground somebody at Headquarters decided that warfare should be airborne in the new Twentieth Century. Thus, for the first time in human history aircraft became weapons of combat. "Gil" was my Dad. He flew a solo bi-plane, carried one bomb, cruised so low and slow he literally shot at folks on the ground with a pistol, and generally tried to stay alive without killing himself in the new-fangled contraption. My hero helped secure the American way of life for my, and future generations as became a decorated World War I veteran of a foreign war. Today my father resides in heaven.

William Emery Thompson, Jr, (Retired after 18 years, Lieutenant Colonel), United States Air Force. Bill piloted a B-17 (and other craft) during World War II and beyond, flying in the Eighth Air Force in the European theater, based in England. My Father-in-law volunteered to fly a dozen extra missions (twenty-five were required, more available if you survived), and helped turn the tide in the Allies favor. His Bomb Group suffered, on average, seventy-five percent casualties. That's three out of four NOT coming back! They did not have time to learn one another's last names, and struggled to keep up with first names as the barracks received new faces every day. Today my Father-in-law resides in Central Florida. I thank him from time to time. He does not think he was a hero. He is wrong, but I let him continue in his delusion.

Veteran's Day 2007 occurs on Sunday this year so I hope many congregations of God's people will pause and remember those who have served, sacrificed, suffered and even perished to keep our nation free. Ours in Salisbury NC will do so. We will recognize and esteem those veterans with us for worship and will honor those who are afar off -- especially serving at present in the various fields of combat around the world.

A prayer of gratitude to God for the heroes among us might do you and them some good, and I am persuaded to believe that our Lord will be glad you thought of others who have served you.


GOD BLESS YOU, TROOPS... AND THANK YOU. My heart is touched by those of you who have given "that last, full measure of devotion" to the United States of America. Your gift of two lives (the one you surrendered in our behalf, and the one you would have lived if you had come home) will not be forgotten. Promise.

I salute you from the sidelines which YOU have secured for me and millions of others.

Gil and Bill, you are the best. I am humbled to be kin to the likes of you. In your honor, I will leave my screen blank when the TV show comes on -- whenever that is.