Thanks on Memorial Day....

I just looked back at my Veterans Day post.  I mentioned in that blog that Ken's dad was a veteran. (along with my dad, my brothers, my brother-in-law, Ken's brother-in-law -  yes we are a family of men who served)  Mervin Thomas Rowley, Ken's father, served in World War II.  He was in college during the beginning of the war, but as 1944 rolled around, our country was looking for more young men (particularly college men) to serve.  Ken's mom and dad had been married in 1942 and his sister Sue was born in the fall of 1944, while Ken's dad was serving in the Pacific.  I know that I have mentioned my own mom, left at home with 2 small children.  But here is Ken's mom, having her first baby, with her husband gone in the war.  It does give you a very different perspective on their life. 

Today I am so grateful for all of the men and women who have faithfully served our country. And those serving today. 

In July of 2010 Ken and I vacationed in Washington DC.  It was my first trip to our Capital and I was awed.  Especially at Arlington Cemetery.  I personally think every American should take a trip to this historic landmark and walk among the rows and rows of white stones.  Seeing a picture is one thing, but actually looking at the names on the tombstones is overwhelming.  We saw far too many mementos laying on graves.  Baby shoes, pictures, necklaces, scarfs, coats.  It was so sad.  Yet I also felt the pride of being an American.  Our family was blessed to not lose anyone during their military service.  Many, many families lost loved ones.

 

Take a moment and just look at the picture above.  Arlington is just one of many Veteran's cemeteries around the country and in fact around the world.  Our freedom as citizens of the United States was not free.  It was won with a very precious cost - the life of many, many Americans.  There was a sacrifice for our freedom.

 

We are FREE Spiritually also!  Hallelujah!  Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for ALL of us.   What a wonderful way to end this post about freedom.  Our penalty for sin has been paid. We do not get what we deserve!  All because of Jesus.  We don't have to do anything, but just accept this amazing gift. 

 

Thank you Jesus for this reminder today for all of us, of your great sacrifice!  Jesus,  guard and protect all the men and women who are serving our country today in Military Service.  Holy Spirit, give grace and courage to the family members and friends who are missing their fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters or friends.  Holy Spirit, give all of us compassion to come alongside of military families and stand with them.  Give us all courage and boldness to share the Good News of our Freedom in Jesus.   Thank you for Memorial Day.  Amen

 



Day 23 - Thankful for National Monuments.....

Today I am remembering 50 years ago, as are many others.  I was thinking about the actual day - yesterday.  I was sitting in my Fourth Grade classroom and my teacher left the room and came back crying.  She said that the President had been shot.  We all looked at each other but I don't think many of us really understood the impact of what we had heard.  I just remember my teacher (a stern, older lady who rarely smiled and never spoke much, except to teach.  My dad called her "rocky" since she was mostly interested in geology and had us all searching for rocks through out the year) sitting at her desk sobbing! So when I think of 4th Grade I think of this day and the fact that she gave me a D in handwriting!  At any rate, that day my father and mother talked to  me about Kennedy and his death.  I also found out that we were given time off of school so that we could follow the events on television.  My mom and dad worked, but I remember sitting and watching everything.  I remember seeing the casket loaded onto the Air Force One.  I remember seeing the flag covered casket in the Capitol rotunda, and the entire funeral and burial service.  I remember the riderless horse.  And Caroline and John.  They were so close in age to me........ it was so real.

So in 2010 when Ken and I went to Washington DC - my first ever trip to DC - one of the first places we went was to Arlington Cemetery.  I stood and looked at this marker and the eternal flame and it was as if I was back in 1963 watching it happen.  It was an eerie feeling.  And then, when I turned around and saw the inscription on the wall looking out toward Washington DC and across that sea of tombstones, it took my breath away. (As a side note, it was very early in the morning - about 9am and it was already 103 degrees! We were in DC during the worst heat wave they had ever had! So it was quite possible that the heat had something to do with my reaction) This was one of the most moving parts of my visit to Washington.

On this same visit to Arlington we also watched the changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknowns.  It was impressive.  As we watched in the extreme heat, these guards never missed a beat.  I was imagining the same process during snow or rain or storms.  Amazing.   You can read about Changing of the Guard in the link.  I love the last line of this article from the Arlington National Cemetery website - The Guards of Honor at the Tomb of the Unknowns are highly motivated and are proud to honor all American service members who are "Known But to God." I love that this 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment is honoring all that are not named, but known to God!  I love this acknowledgement of God in this part of our history. 

 

So, today I am very thankful for the way that the United States of America has maintained these National Monuments and made it possible for all of us to experience the events of our nation in a more personal way.

 

Jesus, thank you for reminding me today of our vacation in Washington DC.  Thank you for connecting our memories to events and dates.  Holy Spirit, I love how you bring clarity to past events and help us to understand how you were working during all the seasons of our life.  Jesus, thank you for the destiny that you have for the United States.  And thank you for the plans you have for all of us.  Amen