Given at Spears Creek Baptist Church, Elgin, SC, on May 29, 2011:
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” – 1 John 3:16, ESV
The first to fall for our great nation did so in Lexington, Massachusetts on April 19, 1775. They were common folk: husbands, fathers, brothers, cousins, friends. Warned of the march of the Redcoats, in response to tyranny they fell out into formation, knowingly outnumbered and facing British regulars, a small band of militia against one of the greatest professional armies in the world. No one knows who fired the first shot that day, but when the fighting ceased, 8 colonists lay either dead or dying. This was the beginning of the war which liberated us, and began a grand experiment that is the United States of America.
As our nation has called, men and women have risen up to serve her, knowing that putting on that military uniform may mean they will have to pay the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives for their country. Put aside all political debates. Imagine how long the United States would last without a trained and ready armed force to protect her. With our abundant natural resources, fertile land, and great cities, we would be a fine prize indeed. We need our military more desperately than we are willing to admit.
And thus it is right that we come to honor those who have served and died for our United States, for us, for the privileges and freedom we so enjoy and, oftentimes, take for granted. They have died so we do not have to.
America has been blessed. It has been a long time since we have had to defend our land on our own soil. Typically our airmen, Marines, sailors, and soldiers defend our ideals on foreign soil, far away from loved ones, or upon foreign waters, where America’s shores seem but a distant memory. This makes their sacrifices all the more costly, and worthy of respect and honor.
Let us not forget the sacrifice they have paid for us. Let it never be far from our minds, for they honor John’s words, giving their lives for the brothers, for us. And let us also be mindful of those who continue to serve in harm’s way, putting their lives before our own. Remember those for whom the shooting war has ended but who are dealing with the wounds of those wars, both physical and psychological. Let us pause now, as is our tradition, to silently petition the Father on behalf of these brave men and women, offering up prayers for safety, and for thanks, because He has placed such individuals among us.