For the good, it is nice that we can wake up each day and we don't have to worry – Am I going to somehow die in a battle or something that could happen today?
For the bad, it is because for those of us who have not served, we really don't have the appreciation for those who have served.
And the reason why I am jotting down and sharing these words is because of this. In a month and a half, I'm going to be turning 65. And yes, I have been so blessed and I thank God for everything. But I realize now what I hadn't thought much on before – that being on how I remember of my last 60 years. And if I can remember so much of my good, bad, ugly and in between – just think of the added horrors remembered of those who have served and have had to experience things that no one should. I know in talking with Dad shortly before he passed away – what he saw of the 'why did those in the LCT next to his die and not him?' . . . haunted him greatly (and why he struggled in faith). I also remember talking with my oldest son after he was deployed to Iraq for 2005 - what he told (basically stuff he could tell me his Dad but he could never tell his Mom). And it saddens me because I can remember all the way back to when I was a pre-school age kid and if I can do so 60 years later, I now know that my Dad, our son and all the others who have seen the horrors of war, can remember so much as well.
And that is why for this weekend, for this Memorial Day Monday (5/29/23) and for all the days ahead - as best we can, we need to remember those who have served, who gave their life for our country, for who carry within them the memories of horror they experienced. And as we remember, we should also show our respect and gratitude because we all owe them so much.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.