Thank You For Your Service

By Scott Schultz, Elder

Matthew 23:11-12 (NKJV) But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Veterans Day is a U.S. legal holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars. In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in World War I. November 11th became a federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became known as Veterans Day. Veterans Day is kind of an ‘orphan holiday’; sandwiched between Halloween & Thanksgiving and without barbeques or family feasts. But it should not be forgotten.

One of the things I love about First Prez is the way we honor our veterans. Sometimes we even encourage them to wear their uniforms to Sunday services before or after Veterans Day. Our Daily Bread contributor David McCasland wrote: “Honoring fellow believers for their unselfish service to God is a biblical mandate. It is not hero worship, but an attitude of respect for a life well-lived.”

Giving up something for the 40-day fast? Our veterans gave up comfort and security, and were willing to give their lives for the unique and noble idea that is America.

We were honored to attend the memorial service for our sister-in-Christ Bonnie Heim, held at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl. The respect shown by the color guard, the playing of taps, and the message from Chaplain Marianna Meachen in this sacred place touched me. The flag folding protocol and presentation mesmerized me. I was unaware of the details of this ritual. *1

After the service and internment, we toured the Honolulu Memorial. The beauty and detail of the mosaic descriptions of World War II through Vietnam was educational and visually stunning. Upon reflection, I realized that America is more of a mosaic than a melting pot; people from many cultures coming together to create a beautiful tapestry, striving (ideally) to create a representation of God’s freedom on Earth. This mosaic was also seen in the diversity of names (and “Unknowns”) on the graves and the columbaria. Two inset scrolls struck me with their truth:

“The problem basically is theological and involves a spiritual recrudescence [renewal] and improvement of human character.” *2

“Names that are a cross-section of democracy. They fought together as brothers-in-arms. They died together and now they sleep side by side. To them we have a solemn obligation to ensure that their sacrifice will help to make a better, a safer world in which to live.” *3

McCasland wrote: “In every generation, God raises up people who are true to Him and to His Word. The measure of their lives and of ours is not the absence of failure but the presence of God’s gracious forgiveness and the faith to obey His call. All of God’s champions are unlikely heroes.” *4

True heroes shine with authenticity and humility. Like Jesus!

Through a word of encouragement or a tangible expression of appreciation, who can you honor today for their humble valor in serving the Lord and helping others in His name?

Prayer: On Veterans Day, may I remember all who served our country, including the missing & unknown. All gave some and some gave all for freedom. During the 40-day fast, may I remember, “Jesus gave it all, All to Him I owe…” And may I echo these words by Samuel F. Smith *5: “Our fathers' God to Thee, Author of Liberty, to thee we sing, long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by thy might, Great God, our King.” In Jesus’ humble and mighty Name I pray, Amen

*1 The Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of Old Glory

*2 Operations in the Pacific 1942-1945: From Gen. MacArthur’s speech to the world after the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri on Sept 2, 1945

*3 Victory in the Pacific

*4 David McCasland, Our Daily Bread, March 7, 2007

*5 From America by Samuel F. Smith