5/30/2022 • Desk of Dennis Piller
Memorial Day
“It's better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing
My wife lost her Mom the same day my daughter graduated high school last Thursday and it gave me pause of the many people we have lost over the years and it happens to be Memorial Day. It got me thinking about the freedoms we enjoy as Americans and the waning cry of pride in our flag, our country, and what it stands for. We dealt with a few burning flags when I grew up but not many. People still had a patriotic heart and praise for our veterans, and I am afraid today that spirit is not as bright. Too many Americans do not appreciate the incredible price that was paid by our moms and dads, grandparents, and great grandparents. My Dad served in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II in one of its most terrifying battles and he came back changed.
I see young adults who serve in the military, carrying the spirit of freedom and respect for America and carrying a patriotism that is lost on too many today. It’s almost as if they didn’t serve, that they care less or don’t care at all its just another holiday to be off and get paid for.
Theirs was a cry and heart for freedom. The freedoms we all enjoy today. They rushed to be part of the battle knowing they may not come home and too many didn’t. But it is due to these Americans who died that we pay homage today
When I think of my Dad, Dyan’s Dad, my son, and nephews who served I am still humbled by their servants' hearts to be “All In”. Whatever that meant, even if they didn't return! How can one not be humbled and appreciative of the price they paid for the very freedom we enjoy and the flag that flys today over all of America.
Here are a few quotes to inspire our own words and sentiments this Memorial Day.
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes. Maya Angelou
“This is the day we pay homage to all those who didn’t come home. This is not Veterans Day, it’s not a celebration, it is a day of solemn contemplation over the cost of freedom.” Tamra Bolton
"Without memory, there is no culture. Without memory, there would be no civilization, no society, no future.” Elie Weisel
"Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die.” GK Chesterton
"Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look upon them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death.” Sun TZU
"The legacy of heroes — the memory of a great name, and the inheritance of a great example.” Benjamin Disraeli
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Winston Churchill
“It's better to fight for something in life than to die for nothing.”
Gen George Patton
"Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops, and once-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.” Jennifer Grandholm
And finally,
Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
Pray for our country today as we thank God and his sovereignty to protect our Nation these 200 plus years. Pray for the families of the fallen and for those who serve today and not just today. We should pray for them and instill that in our children every day of the year. Their love has forever earned our gratitude, respect, and our prayers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mH9kYn4L8TI&list=RDmH9kYn4L8TI&start_radio=1
Carrie Underwood There must have been something in the water.
